Grand Prix Boss revs up for Royal Ascot (St. James's Palace Stakes)

Bidding to continue the success of Japanese runners overseas this year, after the thrilling one two finish by Victoire Pisa and Transcend in the Dubai World Cup, three year old colt Grand Prix Boss lines up in the St. James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, June 14, 2011. The race promises to be as hot a contest as any during the Royal meeting.

Trainer Sir Henry Cecil, recently knighted in the Queen's honours list, saddles the unbeaten Frankel, the easiest winner of the English 2000 Guineas since Zafonic in 1993. Also in the line up are Dubawi Gold, trained by Richard Hannon and second in both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas, and Excelebration, the Marco Botti trained winner of the German 2000 Guineas, and four lengths second to Frankel in the Greenham Stakes.

Making sure they don't have things all their own way is arguably Japan's top miler this year, Grand Prix Boss. The colt, by Sakura Bakushin O, and bred by Northern Farm, has seven career starts to his name, and has already won four times, including two Group 1s. He won the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes at the end of last year, making him the top two year old colt, and after finishing fourth and third in his first two starts this year, he was given a great ride by Craig Williams to take the NHK Mile Cup by 1 1/2 lengths in a time of 1 minute 32.2 seconds. His form has been given a boost by recent Yasuda Kinen winner, Real Impact, who he has beaten on several occasions.

Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, associated with Super Hornet in recent years, Grand Prix Boss has given him his first taste of Group 1 glory in his career as a trainer. His attempt at landing the St. James's Palace Stakes will have the best confidence booster imaginable in jockey Mirco Demuro. The jockey has ridden the horse twice and won on him twice, and has proved himself so successful, whether it's riding in Japan or on Japanese horses overseas. Yahagi is adamant he's the right man for the job.

Training at Newmarket this past week, racing manager to Grand Prix Boss, Keita Tanaka, had the following to say: "We think he's the best miler in Japan and he can go up against your best milers. We're pleased to have the chance to take on Frankel."

Trainer Yahagi commented: "The horse is in pretty good condition, so I'm pleased. He seems to be growing within himself, and I think given his condition he can put in a good showing in the race itself." The trainer was also quick to praise the Clive Brittain stable for their assistance. Since arriving in England, Grand Prix Boss's regular work partner has been Mudhish from the Brittain stable.

Nine runners are currently declared for the Group 1 St. James's Palace Stakes over a mile, and the going is expected to be good, something which will suit Grand Prix Boss going into this fascinating contest of the three year old generation. In Japan, all eyes will be on the blue and white checks of Grand Prix Boss and the brave efforts of connections in trying to pull off another glittering prize overseas.

Post time is 3.45pm in Britain, 11.45pm Japan time on June 14, 2011.

December 19, 2010:	Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (G1)	Result	Video
May 8, 2011:	NHK Mile Cup (G1)	Result	Video

*Please visit the following websites for more information.
Ascot Racecourse: http://www.ascot.co.uk/
British Horseracing Authority: http://www.britishhorseracing.com/
Racing Post: http://www.racingpost.com/