Docklands (GB, H5)

- jogged 3/4 lap, cantered 3/4 lap and walked 1/2 lap left-handed on dirt course
(exercised from 6:25 AM to 6:50 AM, ridden by Michael Vokins)

“We trained the horse on the dirt this morning. He just had an easy trot and an easy canter, very much like what we do back home the day before the race. He looked fresh and well this morning, and I think he was happy to see some other horses for the first time in a long time.

His weight is pretty good, he’s still a little bit short of what he was before he traveled, but I think that’s understandable, given the flight to Tokyo and the lorry journey. But otherwise, he’s eaten very well, drunk very well, and everything has gone as smoothly as we can hope.

We wished for a better draw, but the fancy horses are also drawn around us, which is a help. Now, it’s over to Mark. I’ve done my job and it’s his job now. I had a quick chat with him—he arrives into Kyoto today—I’ve just told him how well the horse is. We’ll talk about the race tomorrow just in case conditions change. He’s renowned for being a big race rider, so I won’t have to tell him much.

Tomorrow, we won’t go out to the track but will walk around the stable.”

(comments taken from Henry Eustace)