2023 Japan Cup Preview and Free Pick

Last Updated on November 23, 2023 6:23 pm by Erwin Noguera

The Japan Cup is one of the most prestigious horse races in Japan. It’s contested on the last Sunday of November, post time of 15:40 at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, at a distance of 2400 meters (about 1+1⁄2 miles) run under weight for age conditions, and a maximum of 18 horses on turf (grass). With a purse of ¥476 million (about US$5.8 million), the Japan Cup is one of the richest races in the world.

This event is invitational. During a relatively short history, the race has established itself as an international contest with winners from Japan, North America, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy.

The Japan Racing Association established the cup as an international invitational race for local racehorses to have the opportunity to compete against horses of an international caliber and to promote goodwill within the racing community worldwide.

Where and when to watch:

The 43rd running of the race carries Japan’s biggest prize – JPY500 million (€3.1m) to the winner – and is due off at 3.40 pm local (6.40 am GMT, 1:40 am PT).

The stream for the race will start on Racing TV at 6 am GMT (1 am PT)

Horses Racing Odds:

Equinox 2/5

Liberty Island 5/2

Titleholder 14/1 

Do Deuce 16/1

Stars on Earth 22/1

Danon Beluga 25/1 

Vela Azul 25/1

Panthalassa 25/1

Iresine 40/1

Deep Bond 50/1

Shonan Bashitto 100/1

Impress 100/1

Studley 150/1

Forward Again 150/1

Trust Kenshin 200/1

Win Erfolg 200/1

2023 Japan Cup Betting Picks:

The favorite horses have plenty of history in the circuit and are pretty valuable in their own right. The first one we must mention is Equinox. The Thoroughbred is one of the most remarkable horses around the world, having won plenty of trophies in the national and international scene, being his most remarkable success the Dubai Sheema Classic.

Second on the list is Liberty Island, one of the most promising fillies in the country. Since her debut as a two-year-old, she has collected plenty of silverware at the national level.

Next is Titleholder, the most experienced horse of the three. He showed plenty of promise as a two-year-old in 2020, but his form dropped later. Notwithstanding, he has improved slowly since turning four years old, coming to the race with a couple of national trophies won in recent times.

As such, we believe this will be the podium:

1. Liberly Island
2. Equinox
3. Titleholder