Gliding arrives for Nakayama Grand Jump

Gliding, the winner of the Foxboro Supreme Hurdle and the Temple Gwathmey last year, has arrived in Japan for his April 14 date in the $1.6 million Nakayama Grand Jump at Nakayama Racecourse near Tokyo.

"From New York to Tokyo, with a stop at Anchorage, the flight time was 15 hours, or 23 hours for the entire trip," said exercise rider and groom James Piper. "It was a long way, but he is hungry like I've never seen him back home. He seems to be in good condition."

A 7-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding trained by Paul Fout, Gliding will be ridden by Paddy Young in the 2 5/8-mile steeplechase, from which the three-time winner of the race, Karasi, was withdrawn two weeks ago after being retired because of tendonitis.

* Dreaming of Anna, winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies in 2006, has been nominated to the $1.8 million Victoria Mile at Tokyo on May 18. That race, though, will be considered by her connections only if she passes on the Grade 3, $150,000 Distaff Turf Mile on the May 3 Kentucky Derby undercard.

"Dreaming of Anna was nominated to the Victoria Mile so that we might keep all options open," said Steve Leving, racing manager for the filly's owner, Frank Calabrese. "But at this point it is unlikely that she will go to Japan, because we are thinking of the future as well. Nothing is etched in stone, however. The Japan Racing Association has a keen interest in seeing her run there and I'm sure they would be marvelous hosts."