Japan Cup tops weekend horse racing agenda; Bahrain steps into racing limelight

Japan Cup is the top event on the weekend schedule. Bahrain International Trophy features its first-ever international runners. California Chrome is latest American stallion headed for Japan. Del Mar, Aqueduct and Woodbine contribute graded stakes in North America.

Japan Cup tops the weekend horse racing agenda. Bahrain steps into the racing limelight.

The 39th Japan Cup in association with Longines takes place on Sunday. It's the first time there's no foreign entry. The field includes the winners of the Tokyo Yushun, Japanese Derby and 2017 Japan Cups. Jockeys from outside Japan are expected to ride in the race. The winner of a heat on the dirt course gains 10 points toward a bid to the 2020 Kentucky Derby. Cattleya Sho is the opening leg of "Japan Road to Kentucky Derby" on Saturday. Curren Bouquetd'or, a 3-year-old daughter of Deep Impact, will race for the very firsttime.

Bahrain International Trophy is the first international race in Bahrain. It attracted a number of foreign horses, including a French-trained Group 1 winner Intellogent and Royal Ascot winner Afaak. The event attracted riders including Jim Crowley, Silvestre de Sousa, Gerald Mosse, Brett Doyle and Pierre-Charles Boudot.

Set Piece won the British Stallion Studs EBF Hyde Stakes at Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The event was a Fast-Track Qualifier for the Bombardier All-Weather Championship Mile at Lingfield Park next Good Friday, April 10. Khuzaam came second, Accidental Agent third.

Even the Longines International Jockeys' Championship is ramped up with Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore, Oisin Murphy, Yuga Kawada, Pierre-Charles Boudot and James McDonald logged to compete on Dec. 4 at Happy Valley.

Japan Cup tops weekend horse racing agenda. Bahrain steps into racing limelight.

Sadler's Joy is the favorite for Saturday's $200,000 Grade III Red Smith Stakes at 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Aqueduct. Tiz A Slam is a 5-year-old son of Tznow who is also in the field. Red Knight, Glorious Empire and Petit Fils are also racing.

Bob Baffert's Santa Anita Derby winner Roadster is the morning-line favorite for Saturday's $100,000 Grade III Native Diver Stakes at 9 furlongs on the main track at Del Mar. Two Thirty Five, Leading Score and Midcourt are the other favorites.

Muskoga Gold is an early favorite for the 2020 Queen's Plate. He's trained by Mark Case for Conrad Farms. The colt won the Cup and Saucer Stakes Oct. 6 and was second in the Grade III Grey Stake. Pink Lloyd is the favorite on the morning line for $175,000 Grade II Kennedy Road. Amalfi Coast and Gamble's Candy are looking for a third straight win. Xenobia is coming to Woodbine off a victory in Grade 3 Athenia St. at Belmont Park.

Eight horses are set to face the starter in Saturday evening's $100,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes for 2-year-olds at Delta Downs. Sir Winsalot is the narrow favorite on the morning line.

California Chrome has been sold to his ownership syndicate to the JS Company of Japan and will stand at the Arrow Stud on Hokkaido. He follows American turf runner Bricks and Mortar to stud duty in Japan.