Japanese plan to raid Duty Free

Dubai: Leading Japanese jockey Yutaka Take is hoping that 2007 Japan Derby heroine Vodka can supply him with back-to-back victories in the $5 million Dubai Duty Free (Gr 1).

Take, who won the 1,777 metre contest 12 months ago with Admire Moon, was in an upbeat mood after guiding the champion filly through her paces at Nad Al Sheba.

"She was alone on the turf course, so she was shying and a bit nervous about the surroundings," Take told the Dubai Racing Club website.

"I think she just was not acquainted with the place, however, once she changed into the top gear, she put in a fantastic performance and I thought that was her real form.

"I think she is in better form than when she was at Kyoto Racecourse during the quarantine and I am very much looking forward to Saturday's race."

First filly

Vodka became the first filly to win the Grade 1 Japanese Derby (Tokyo Yushun) in 64 years when storming to a three length victory at the Tokyo course last May.

Trainer Katsuhiko Sumii is also optimisitic of his four-year-old's chances.

He said: "She was shying a bit, but her actual performance was no problem at all. We have been doing our best for her and everything has been going well.

"She will not appear on the main track tomorrow (Wednesday) or the day after tomorrow (Thursday), but she will have a light canter in the trotting area."

Japan have sent four horses to the 2008 Dubai World Cup meeting including Multiple Grade 1 winner Vermilion who is aimed at the Dubai World Cup (Gr 1) where he finished fourth last year.

Kyoto Kinen winner Admire Aura and Iide Kenshin, winner of the Zen Nippon Nisai Yushun, run in the UAE Derby. The quartet arrived in Dubai ten days ago.

Admire Aura, a four-year-old colt by Agnes Tachyon, finished fourth in the Group 1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) and third in the Japanese Derby last year.

He was out cantering with Iide Kenshin on the dirt course.

His exercise rider Tsuyoshi Matsuda said: "The horse did not have any problem during the trip to Dubai.

'In good form'

He is eating up very well and is in a good form. We are planning to gallop him with Iide Kenshin again tomorrow."

Meanwhile European import Darjina, the ante-post second-favourite, was also out on the Nad Al Sheba gallops. Trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre pointed out that it was only a routine work and that the triple Group 1 winner will be asked to pick up the pace today.

"She's a little light and I've kept her on the dirt today. We will give her some action on the turf tomorrow," said the Frenchman.

Darjina beat Godolphin star Ramonti in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (Group 1) at Longchamp in September.