It’s 20 years since a raider last won the Japan Cup.

Alkasssed, trained by Luca Cumani and ridden by Frankie Dettori, were the last to accomplish the feat in 2005.

This year, the best older horse in Europe will be taking on the home team. Calandagan, trained in France by Francis Henri Graffard will be ridden by Mickael Barzalona.

He was a four-time Group 1 runner-up, then won three on the bounce, the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and last time out, in the Champion Stakes, he’d no difficulty putting Ombudsman and Delacroix to the sword.

He’ll have to be on his A game as the Japanese are a high-class bunch. Tenno Sho winner Masquerade Ball sets the standard with Danon Decile, Croix Du Nord and Shin Emperor all expected to be in the firing line.

Danon Decile beat Calandagan in the Shemma Classic but didn’t fire at York in the Juddmonte International. Croix Du Nord beat Daryz in the Prix du Prince d’Orange at Lonchamp before getting stuck in the mud in the Arc, and Shin Emperor’s poor show in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown was put down to a virus. He was withdrawn from the Arc on foot of that, and he will try to go one better than he did when beaten a neck in this last year.

Shin Emperor at Leopardstown

Calandagan is still improving, four times a bridesmaid, he can now add a fourth Group 1 win to his CV. Shin Emperor can be placed again.

Recommendation

Calandagan 100/30 win

Shin Emperor 28/1 ew