Pyledriver workforce goal Japan Cup

Alpinista, Pyledriver and Deauville Legend had been on Thursday amongst ten British and Irish nominations for the Japan Cup on November 27.

The Japan Cup was singled out as a possible swansong for Alpinista after she supplied Sir Mark Prescott along with his first success within the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe this month, whereas the race stays a goal for Pyledriver, who missed out on Longchamp with a soft-tissue damage.

After lacking the Arc, it was hoped Pyledriver, who received the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes final time, might return for the Breeders’ Cup Turf on November 5, however that comes too quickly.

As a substitute, he will likely be skilled for the Japan Cup however will likely be given the choices of December’s Longines Hong Kong Vase and the Group 1 Sheema Basic, during which he completed fourth at Meydan in March.

“We thought he may be again for the Breeders’ Cup however he wasn’t – it’s simply a kind of issues,” mentioned joint-trainer William Muir. “He’s in the identical routine, which includes loads of train and swimming.

“It’s irritating however we’re not placing a time-frame on something. He seems marvellous however we’ll wait till he’s 100 per cent. If we will get him prepared for the Japan Cup, he’ll go, but when not now we have choices.” 

Pyledriver might be joined in Japan by Deauville Legend, who arrived in Australia two days in the past for a tilt on the Lexus Melbourne Cup. The three-year-old is among the many favourites after profitable the Group 2 Nice Voltigeur Stakes by two and three-quarter lengths in August.

“He’s in nice order,” mentioned coach James Ferguson. “There’s an important bonus, so he’s within the Japan Cup, and also will be within the Hong Kong Vase and Cup, however he’s not sure to run. He’ll must carry out effectively in Australia first.”