Americans land for Japan Cups

Lido Palace and Timboroa, America's top hopes in the big international races at Tokyo Racecourse next weekend, have arrived safe and sound in Japan, as have the five other American challengers.

The Bobby Frankel-trained pair touched down at Narita Airport near Tokyo on Wednesday at 3 p.m. local time and were vanned to the Shiroi Quarantine Center, where they must spend five days.

It took the horses 19 hours to get from New York to Tokyo, said the groom who accompanied Lido Palace and Timboroa on the flight. He said they were both a little tired from the trip but otherwise in good health.

Lido Palace is the probable favorite for the 1 5/16-mile $2.04 million Japan Cup Dirt on Nov. 24, while Timboroa runs in the $3.91 million Japan Cup at 1 1/2 miles on turf the next day.

Japan Cup Dirt entry Generous Rosi arrived in good order together with Japan Cup hopeful With Anticipation at 10 on Wednesday morning. Cagney and White Heart (Japan Cup) flew in together with Dig for It (Dirt) on Wednesday.

British bookies Coral Eurobet have installed defending champ T.M. Opera O as the 2-1 favorite for the Japan Cup with Meisho Doto at 9-2, Golan 6-1, Timboroa, Stay Gold and To the Victory 10-1, With Anticipation 14-1, White Heart 20-1, and Cagney 40-1.