Grape Brandy Swoops to February Stakes Win

Espoir City appeared on his way to a second February Stakes (Jpn-I) win Feb. 17 at Tokyo, but Grape Brandy wore him down in the final 100 meters to secure the win in Japan's first top-level race of the season.

Dirt Stars to Be Tested in Tokyo Daishoten

After a runner-up effort in the Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-I) earlier this month, Wonder Acute returns in the Tokyo Daishoten (Jpn-I) Dec. 29 at Ohi Racecourse in search of a breakthrough win at the top level.

Nihonpiro Ours Easy Winner of Japan Cup Dirt

Nihonpiro Ours scored his first win at the top level with a dominant performance in the Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-I) on Dec. 2 at Hanshin Racecourse.

Young Star Vs. Past Winners in Japan Cup Dirt

Rising star Roman Legend puts a six-race win streak on the line in the Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-I) Dec. 2 at Hanshin Racecourse while facing two previous winners of the race in his group I debut.

Transcend Repeats in Japan Cup Dirt

Favored Transcend successfully defended his title in the $3.4 million Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-I) Dec. 4, winning a showdown with 2009 victor Espoir City at Hanshin Racecourse.

Featured Horse Profile: Espoir City

Espoir City seeks Breeders' Cup glory for Japan.

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All Zenyatta All the Time at Churchill

With only two workouts by Breeders' Cup World Championship entrants, the scene on the backside of Churchill Downs the morning of Nov. 3 was all about Zenyatta.

BC News Minute: Nov. 3, 2010

Zenyatta's first appearance on the Churchill Downs track dominates today's news minute. Also, works for Espoir City and Dakota Phone, and a weather report.

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'Lucky' Likes What He Sees at Churchill

Lookin At Lucky, the nation's top 3-year-old contender for Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Churchill Downs, got his first tour of the Churchill track under exercise rider Jorge Alvarez the morning of Wednesday.

The Breeders' Cup Work Tab for Oct. 31

With the morning temperature about 10 degrees warmer than the 34 reading the day before, more than a dozen contenders for the Breeders' Cup World Championships completed their works at Churchill Downs on Oct. 31.

Japan's Espoir City Loosens Up at Churchill

Espoir City, Japan's hope for the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) to be run at Churchill Downs Nov. 6, drilled six furlongs over the Louisville track to lead a host of workouts on the morning of Oct. 23.

Espoir City Arrives at Churchill

The Yushun Horse Club's Japan-based star Espoir City arrived at Churchill Downs Oct. 19 for a run in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I)), settling in his stall in the quarantine barn early in the morning.

Breeders' Cup Chat: Classic City

Japanese star Espoir City could add intrigue to the Breeders' Cup Classic.

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Dubai-Bound Espoir City Captures February S.

Heavy favorite Espoir City, Japan's champion dirt horse last year, got his 2010 campaign off to a great start by easily winning the US$2.2 million February Stakes, the first grade I race of the season Feb. 21 at Tokyo.

Vodka Repeats as Japan Horse of the Year

For the second year in a row, top race mare Vodka was voted Horse of the Year in Japan, becoming the first female to win the title twice.

Espoir City Runs Away With Japan Cup Dirt

Favored Espoir City became the 10th champion of the Japan Cup Dirt Dec. 6 at Hanshin Racecourse, going wire-to-wire from the rail post to finish 3 1/2 lengths ahead of Silk Mobius for his first group I victory.

Success Brocken Surprises Casino Drive

The torch was passed from dirt champions Kane Hekili and Vermilion when Success Brocken edged Casino Drive by a neck in record time while winning the $2.2 million February Stakes (Jpn-I) before 70,000 at Tokyo Race Course Feb. 22.