Japan Gives O'Brien Eighth Straight Beresford Win

Japan narrowly beat better-fancied stablemate Mount Everest at Naas Sept. 30 to enhance Aidan O'Brien's remarkable record in the Beresford Stakes (G2), providing the trainer with his eighth victory in a row and 18th in total.

Ridden by Seamie Heffernan and sent off at 11-2, Japan came with a strong late challenge in a group 2 that has been a notable guide for the following season's classics. QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas (G1) victor Saxon Warrior won last season, while William Hill St. Leger Stakes (G1) winner Capri claimed the Beresford in 2016. Sea The Stars took the prize in 2008.

A brother to 2013 Investec Epsom Oaks (G1) runner-up Secret Gesture, Japan was slashed to 25-1 (from 50-1) for the Investec Derby (G1) by Paddy Power.

Further improvement is required if he is to make an impact at the highest level, particularly given the exceptional talents among his generation, but he was value for more than the winning margin, having conceded first run to his short-priced stablemate, and he was taking a significant jump in class on the back of a Listowel maiden win.

He could follow the same path as Saxon Warrior, with the Vertem Futurity Trophy (G1) mooted as a potential target. O'Brien said: "We thought he'd come forward from his Listowel win. He followed the pace and found plenty when he had to.

"He's a big, hardy colt who should progress again. The Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster is a race he could go for. The runner-up, Mount Everest, is a similar type and both will be middle-distance horses next year."

Earlier in the season O'Brien's string was affected by a bug, but the horses are firing on all cylinders now, and Japan's success brought up a four-timer for the yard at Naas.

There was also clear evidence of the rude health of O'Brien's string at Newmarket Saturday, when he registered a group-race treble, which included group 1 victories for Fairyland and the unbeaten Ten Sovereigns.