Conduit: in line for lucrative bonus if he wins Japan Cup
PICTURE: Edward WhitakerConduit made 5-2 favourite for Japan Cup
Japan: Dual Breeders' Cup Turf winner has been installed as a best-priced 5-2 favourite with British bookmakers to end his career in style with victory in Sunday's Japan Cup in Tokyo.
Ladbrokes offer that price about the King George winner, making him market leader in front of star racemare Vodka - aboard whom Christophe Lemaire replaces Yutaka Take - last year's winner Screen Hero and Japanese Derby winner Logi Universe.
Although the locals doubtless have the utmost respect for Conduit, the King George winner will surely go off a bigger price on the Japanese tote given that the home team is set to include no fewer than nine Grade 1 winners, plus three more top-level turf scorers from the States.
Conduit, who will be ridden by Ryan Moore, will retire to stud in Japan after the 533million yen (£3.68m) event, where he is in line for a near-£900,000 bonus on offer to the King George winner if he claims first prize.
The hosts and visitors have split the 28 Japan Cups so far and Blue Square make the home team 4-6 to nudge in front, with the overseas team on offer at 11-10.
Conduit is joined by Richard Hannon-trained compatriot Scintillo.
Japan Cup
Blue Square: 7-4 Conduit, 5 Vodka, 6 Screen Hero, 8 Logi Universe, 12 Oken Bruce Lee, Red Desire, 16 Just As Well, 20 Interpatation, Marsh Side, 25 Reach The Crown, 33 Asakusa Kings, Meiner Kitz, Scintillo, 50 bar
