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| Staff Writer |
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The Land of the Rising Sun is casting its gaze on Yorkshire as Durezza, Japan's latest international hopeful, acclimatises to British soil. The Gr.1 Japanese St Leger victor is plotting a raid on the Juddmonte International at York's prestigious Ebor meeting, aiming to become only the third Japanese-trained Gr.1 winner on British turf.
Currently lodging with Newmarket-based Charlie Fellowes, Durezza is treading a path less travelled. Not since Cheval Grand's tilt in 2019 has a Japanese contender graced the Juddmonte, with Zenno Rob Roy's neck defeat to Electrocutionist in 2005 remaining the closest brush with victory.
Yusuke Sai, representing owners Carrot Farm, painted a vivid picture of the four-year-old's British debut:
"He's taken to Newmarket like a duck to water," Sai told Idol Horse. "His appetite's as robust as his ambition, and he's already charming the team with his intelligence - and occasional cheek. Mr Yahara [groom and work rider] swears he's got eyes in the back of his head, always alert to his surroundings."
At the helm is trainer Tomohito Ozeki, no stranger to international success with Gr.1 winners Glory Vase and Red Falx under his belt. Ozeki, who saddled Through Seven Seas to a creditable fourth in last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, is set to touch down in Britain on August 14.
The final piece of the puzzle is Christophe Lemaire, the man who steered Durezza to St Leger triumph at Kyoto last October. The French ace has been booked for the York showpiece, bringing a wealth of international experience to the table.
As the countdown to the Juddmonte International ticks on, all eyes will be on this bold Japanese challenger. Can Durezza write a new chapter in the annals of international racing? York awaits the answer.