The name may not roll off the tongue, but T M Opera O could be the talk of Japan tomorrow. The colt appears the most likely winner of the #3.1 million Japan Cup, one of the last big Flat events of the year.
But he will need to be at his peak to cope with a four-pronged British challenge consisting of Fantastic Light, Golden Snake, Fruits of Love and Ela Athena.
T M Opera O, a four-year-old, has won 10 of his 17 starts, the latest coming in a Group One event in Tokyo last month. The fast ground which is likely to prevail tomorrow will suit him. Godolphin contender Fantastic Light is William Hill`s favourite of the British contenders. He put up an excellent effort when a close fifth after experiencing traffic problems in the Breeders` Cup Turf at Churchill Downs.
The American-trained John`s Call finished just ahead of Fantastic Light in that race and is preferred here as he has not had to undertake as much travelling as Fantastic Light.
Fruits of Love was well behind in the Breeders` Cup Turf and it would be a major surprise if he was to figure in the shake-up.
Golden Snake has won Group One races in Germany and Italy but might not be so effective in fast conditions.
Ela Athena finished ahead of a below-par Fantastic Light in a Grade One race at Belmont Park,New York, but was held on earlier running at the same course.
