Foreign Raiders in Fine Fettle for Grand Jump
On the eve of the world’s richest steeplechase, the Grade One Nakayama Grand Jump, the two non-domestic runners are reported in fine form.
Thirteen-time champion French jump jockey Christophe Pieux, who had just arrived in Tokyo, partnered Alarm Call for exercise this morning. The eight year-old jogged a half-lap on dirt followed by a jog and canter on the chase course before returning for a half-lap again back on dirt.
Pieux is well acquainted with Alarm Call having ridden him on eighteen occasions, over both hurdles and fences, and winning on ten of them.
Trainer Jacques Ortet was in bullish mood at the track. “The horse has been tuned up perfectly – in tip top condition. I think this rain will work in favour for my horse. I wanted him to take a look at the course and practice up and down the bank, so we did some hard work on the steeple chase course today.
He added, “Among the Japanese contenders, we have our eyes on Eishin Niizan and Merci A Time. We hope that he can settle in 5th to 6th position and then, gradually work his way up.”
Doug Fout, trainer of American runner Gliding, was also pleased with the light work the New Zealand-bred eight year-old put in at a damp Nakayama. After a quarter-lap jog followed by a light half-lap canter under race rider Paddy Young, Fout commented, “His movement was sharp this morning and I’m happy with that. The weather forecast says it’s going to rain tomorrow, and though every horse has a chance to win, if the going is heavy, experience over heavy goings would be an advantage–Gliding would have a good chance in that sense.”
