In Japan this long weekend.

Yesterday, today and tomorrow was a famous Italian film of the Dolce Vita era in Italy.

Yesterday (Saturday 11th) it was the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup at Tokyo G3 over 1600m for the 2yos.  The winner was Ecoro Alba, a Mozu Ascot product, who can add this to his win on debut. He was on 3.6 and had Sakai in the irons.  Second went to Galilea on 53.4 and the favourite Zoroastro finished third.

Sunday sees the running of the G2 Ireland Trophy also at Tokyo over 1800m for f&m and it is quite open with the top at present being Bond Girl on 4.8 with Lemaire riding.  Kana Tapei is on 6.6 and will be ridden by Sesaki and we notice the horse is owned by our friend Charles Fipke so we wish them very good luck.  Lavanda is on 8.9 and is in good form and M Iwata has the ride.

Tomorrow we head to Kyoto for the Swan Stakes G2 over 1400m.  Also quite an open race with Logi Leoni on 5.2 the top of the market at present.  World's End is on 5.7 and we remember fondly a pub by that name on the King's Road in London.  Admire Zoom on 6.1 is the third pick and the mount of Sakai.