Up for the Cup: the European contenders primed for strong Japan Cup challenge

The Japan Cup takes place next Sunday. Four European horses are going to race. The winner will receive £2.5 million. It's the first time a horse trained outside Japan has won the race since 2005.

Onesto, Grand Glory, Simca Mille and Torquator Tasso are European contenders for the Japan Cup. Germany have fielded as many runners as Britain in the last decade. Ryan Moore, Tom Marquand, Hollie Doyle and Cristian Demuro are jockeys currently riding in Japan under a short-term licence. The prize money is increased and there is a generous bonus system. The visitors are encouraged to travel thanks to the building of a new quarantine facility.

Some of Japan's best middle-distance horses won't be lining up in Tokyo. The Tenno Sho Autumn winner Equinox will wait for the Arima Kinen next month. Danon Beluga is likely to be the only three-year-old in the field. Shahryar is expected to line up. Uberleben and 2020 Oaks winners Daring Tact are expected. Boccherini, Weltreisende and Win Marilyn are interesting despite not having won at Group 1 level.

Scott Burton will be reporting from Tokyo starting on Thursday.

The Racing Post app just got better. It offers game-changing odds comparison, exclusive daily big-name tipping and unrivalled app-only content.