Beating Crystal Ocean only enhances Japan's kudos, says Moore

Ryan Moore knows better than most how hard it is to pass Crystal Ocean in full cry, which is why he was full of praise for his brave partner Japan, who conquered the highest-rated horse in the world only in the dying strides of an epic Juddmonte International.

Under different circumstances Moore may well have been the one driving Crystal Ocean for home in front, as he has done seven times in the past, six of which ended in victory.

However, on this occasion Moore was the one doing the chasing on Japan for the Coolmore partners, who retain his services, and he knew it would take something exceptional to conquer a horse two years older and celebrated for his appetite for a battle.

"Crystal Ocean is a very hard horse to get past," said Moore. "He's never been out the first three in his whole life and he ran super again.

"His performances have been of the highest quality this year and only a very good performance from a three-year-old beat him today."

There's just a head in it as Japan edges out Crystal Ocean in the Juddmonte InternationalCredit: John Grossick

It took the majority of York's far-reaching home straight for Japan to whittle down Crystal Ocean's lead and even when he was looking likely to conquer with at least an inch or two to spare, the eventual runner-up dug in again, just as he did in defeat against Enable at Ascot in the King George.

"It took a long time to get by," admitted the former champion jockey, "but in the last furlong I thought we were getting the better of the argument. When they're going forward it's great."

The Qipco Irish Champion Stakes and Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe are perhaps the most likely targets for Japan this season, opening up the possibility of a titanic clash with Enable at Longchamp in October.

"That would be very tough but it's a fair way away yet and we'll see what the plan is," said Moore. "When I rode Japan in the Dante here I thought he was a proper horse and he's just got better and better with racing and I was delighted with him today."

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