The G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) is one of the most anticipated races on the Japanese horse racing schedule. Set to take place on October 27 at Tokyo Racecourse, this incredible 2,000-meter turf race has attracted some of the finest thoroughbreds in Japan.
Among the notable contenders, Liberty Island, the sole filly in the field, leads the pack as she aims for her fifth G1 title. Let’s dive into the top runners expected to deliver strong performances in this exciting event.
Liberty Island: Aiming for Her Fifth G1 Victory
Liberty Island is no stranger to success, and despite finishing third in her last outing at the Dubai Sheema Classic, she remains one of the top contenders in this race. Her Dubai performance marked the first time she finished outside the top two, but the narrow margin of defeat and the caliber of international competition reaffirmed her elite status.
Liberty Island captured the prestigious Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies last year and ran a close second to Equinox in the Japan Cup. Known for her devastating turn-of-foot, Liberty Island is expected to put in a strong bid under the guidance of jockey Yuga Kawada. Fans and bettors alike will be keeping a close eye on her horse racing odds, as she’s sure to be one of the favorites come race day.
Bellagio Opera: A Consistent Threat
Bellagio Opera has shown incredible consistency, with the exception of a subpar performance in the Satsuki Sho. He initially made waves by winning his first three races and later finished a commendable fourth in the Japanese Derby.
Since then, Bellagio Opera has only grown stronger, securing his first G1 victory in the Osaka Hai and following it up with a third-place finish in the Takarazuka Kinen. His resilience and form make him another major contender in this year’s Tenno Sho. With Kazuo Yokoyama aboard, Bellagio Opera’s experience and consistency could play a significant role in determining the outcome of this race.
Additional Notable Contenders
Do Deuce is another big name to watch, as the three-time G1 winner looks to add to his trophy case. Last year’s Japanese Derby champion, Tastiera, also enters the field after strong showings in both the Satsuki Sho and Kikuka Sho, where he finished second. Lebensstil, who triumphed over the Satsuki Sho winner in last year’s St Lite Kinen, comes into the Tenno Sho in fine form and is expected to be a serious contender.
Other notable entries include the steadily improving Ho O Biscuits, Sapporo Kinen winner North Bridge, and last year’s Satsuki Sho champion Sol Oriens. Each of these horses has demonstrated the ability to compete at the highest level and could make their presence felt on race day.
Final Thoughts Ahead of the Tenno Sho
With such a stacked field, the 2024 Tenno Sho (Autumn) promises to be an intense battle. Liberty Island leads the charge, but the likes of Bellagio Opera, Do Deuce, and Tastiera are all capable of delivering standout performances. As race day approaches, bettors should keep a close eye on the horse racing odds, as they could shift based on track conditions and last-minute developments.
The post time is set for 3:45 PM JST on October 27, and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the showdown. For those following the horse racing schedule, the Tenno Sho will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the season.
