Aidan O'Brien has said Japan is likely to be aimed at the race at York next week.
Highly-rated Ballydoyle three-year-old Japan has shot up the market for the Group 1 Juddmonte International at next week’s Ebor Festival.
Priced at 16/1 in places just a matter of days ago, the Group 1 winner is now as short as 4/1 following a stream of bets.
In the last 24 hours, Japan is the most backed in the market having accrued 48% of bets. 38% of punters in the same time frame have sided with favourite Crystal Ocean.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien revealed earlier this week that the King Edward VII Stakes winner could be entered into the race at York next week having been in excellent form of late.
The Derby third won over in France last time out, following up his Royal Ascot success with an impressive win at Longchamp.
Entry into the Juddmonte International would see Japan faced with the mighty Crystal Ocean, currently the favourite for that race at 11/8.
John Gosden’s King Of Comedy separates the pair in the market, priced at 3/1.
Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: “It looked as though the St Leger was Aidan O’Brien’s likely route for Japan, but his sparkling recent form seems to have tempted the Ballydoyle trainer into having a shot at Crystal Ocean.
“O’Brien’s record in this race speaks for itself, and punters were quick to get on board with the in-form three-year-old at the prices available earlier this week.”
