December 22, 2024

Ouija Board preparing for Japan Cup

Last updated: 11/15/05 8:59 PM


Lord Derby’s OUIJA BOARD (GB) (Cape Cross [Ire]) will run in the November 27
Japan Cup (Jpn-G1) in Tokyo, her connections announced Tuesday. Europe’s
reigning Horse of the Year was reported in good shape after a runner-up finish in defense of
her Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) title at Belmont on October 29.

“We’re off to Japan,” trainer Ed Dunlop said. “She’s very well and did her
last piece of work this morning. She’s come out of the race fantastically well
and, fingers crossed, she travels well.”

Dunlop was satisfied by the four-year-old’s effort at Belmont.

“I was as satisfied as you can be without winning considering the problems we
had during the season,” he explained. “The fractions were very slow and (jockey)
Mr. (Jerry) Bailey did nothing wrong. From going over to coming back, she only
lost eight kilos, so she took the whole experience very well and we’re keeping
her ticking over.”