Japan under consideration for Juddmonte as O'Brien seeks sixth success

Japan could be set for a surprise clash with Crystal Ocean next Wednesday after Aidan O'Brien revealed the Derby third is under strong consideration for the Juddmonte International at York, a race the trainer is trying to win for a sixth time.

Given that Japan is 3-1 favourite with most firms for the St Leger next month, dropping to ten furlongs for a showdown with older horses appeared unlikely, but O'Brien is not ruling it out and reports the son of Galileo to be in top form having runaway with the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot before landing a first Group 1 in the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp last month.

O'Brien said: "Japan is in good form since his run in France. Everything has gone smoothly with him since then and he is definitely in the mix for York, along with a few others. We have always thought he was a lovely horse and he is progressing nicely this season."

Magical: could take on Crystal Ocean again in the Juddmonte InternationalCredit: Alain Barr

The shortest-priced Juddmonte International entry from Ballydoyle is Magical, while Circus Maximus is also a single-figure price for the race O'Brien last won with Australia in 2014.

"They are all in the mix. Magical is in good form. Circus Maximus is very consistent and seems in good form too. We will decide closer to the time and nothing has been decided yet."

Crystal Ocean, who bravely saw off Magical in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes before going down narrowly to Enable in the King George, current heads the market at a best-priced 6-4 with Ladbrokes.

Japan is priced between 12-1 and 16-1 for the Wednesday showpiece at York.

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