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| Staff Writer |
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The highly anticipated Warp Speed will represent Japan in Australia's premier staying contests, the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, with his connections confirming that Akira Sugawara will retain the ride. The Noboru Takagi-trained 6YO is eyeing his maiden Group One victory on foreign soil, and his stable believes the pairing with Sugawara could be the key to unlocking success in these races.
Sugawara, who has guided Warp Speed in ten of his 22 starts in Japan, is entrusted with steering the horse through both of Victoria’s showpiece races. The assistant trainer, Isao Nakagaki, expressed full confidence in Sugawara, stating, “He’s a very hardworking jockey, and he studies a lot. He’s watched a lot of international races, so we’re sure he understands the way they’re run in Australia. We have no doubt in the jockey.”
Warp Speed’s Australian debut will begin with the Caulfield Cup, where he hopes to follow in the footsteps of previous Japanese winners. Admire Rakti, under the skillful riding of Zac Purton, triumphed in the 2014 Caulfield Cup, while Mer De Glace, with Damian Lane aboard, claimed the prize in 2019. Both horses not only made a mark in this event but left an indelible legacy in global staying competitions. Admire Rakti went on to attempt a Melbourne Cup win, though his untimely death during the race marked a tragic moment in racing history. Mer De Glace's versatility was further evident with his strong runs in subsequent international races.
Japan's only Melbourne Cup victor, Delta Blues, took the crown in 2006 after a commendable third-place finish in the Caulfield Cup that year. He had followed a similar route to Warp Speed, contesting the Tenno Sho in Japan before heading to Australia.
Warp Speed has also tested his mettle against Japan’s elite stayers, finishing fifth in his sole Group One appearance in the Tenno Sho over 3200m, a race historically dominated by top-tier stayers. He trailed the renowned T O Royal by just over four lengths, having earlier placed third and second behind the same rival in Gr.3 and Gr.2 lead-up events. These performances have shown Warp Speed’s capability to hold his own among Japan's best, and connections are hopeful he will build on this form on the Australian stage.
Nakagaki has indicated that Warp Speed’s conditioning has been meticulous in the build-up to the Caulfield Cup. "We have been putting him through his paces at the Werribee quarantine centre, and his gallops have been encouraging," Nakagaki remarked. "He’s ready to go for his first start in Australia. We believe he’s good enough to show strong potential over 2400m."
Japan’s approach to the Melbourne Spring Carnival has traditionally revolved around intense preparation, and Warp Speed is no exception. The horse's training has been conducted with great precision, with connections targeting both the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup as twin goals. His ability to settle into Australian conditions has been a focus of attention, with the stable keen to exploit his stamina over the testing 3200m of the Melbourne Cup.
Warp Speed’s upcoming appearances represent a significant opportunity for both horse and rider. Sugawara, who recently claimed his first Group One victory in Japan, is on the cusp of establishing his credentials on the international stage. Nakagaki voiced optimism about their prospects, stating, “We believe it's a huge opportunity for him to take a Group One.”
As Warp Speed approaches the race day, all eyes will be on his performance in the Caulfield Cup, which has often served as a key trial for the Melbourne Cup. Nakagaki and the team are confident that Warp Speed has the quality to contend strongly in both races. "I think we've got a good chance," Nakagaki concluded, signalling their readiness to challenge Australia’s finest stayers.
Warp Speed’s first test will come in the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup, where he will line up against a competitive field, with connections eyeing a victorious run that could propel him into Melbourne Cup contention.