Japan, Hong Kong attract crowds

The international racing season does not end with the World Thoroughbred Championships at Belmont Park next week, as evidenced by the strong entries received for both Japan Cup Weekend and the Hong Kong International Races.

The $4 million Japan Cup, to be run at Tokyo Racecourse at 1 1/2 miles on turf Nov. 25 has attracted 59 foreign nominees, including 28 from the United States. Among the American-trained horses named are Breeders' Cup Turf entries Timboroa, With Anticipation, and Blueprint.

Lido Palace tops the list of 36 foreign nominees to the $2.1 million 1 5/16-mile Japan Cup Dirt on Nov. 24. He is joined by Breeders' Cup Classic hopefuls Tiznow, Freedom Crest, Include, and Macho Uno among the American total of 18.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club's four big races at Sha Tin on Dec. 16 have attracted 314 nominees. The centerpiece 1 1/4-mile Hong Kong Cup, worth $2.3 million and the final leg of the Emirates World Series, has attracted 35 American nominees, including Bienamado, England's Legend, Forbidden Apple, Hap, Manndar, and Val Royal. Arlington Million winner Silvano will be there following his run in the W.S. Cox Plate in Australia.