Alpinista, Pyledriver and Deauville Legend had been on Thursday amongst ten British and Irish nominations for the Japan Cup on November 27.
The Japan Cup was singled out as a possible swansong for Alpinista after she supplied Sir Mark Prescott along with his first success within the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe this month, whereas the race stays a goal for Pyledriver, who missed out on Longchamp with a soft-tissue harm.
After lacking the Arc, it was hoped Pyledriver, who gained the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes final time, might return for the Breeders’ Cup Turf on November 5, however that comes too quickly.
As an alternative, he will likely be educated for the Japan Cup however will likely be given the choices of December’s Longines Hong Kong Vase and the Group 1 Sheema Basic, wherein he completed fourth at Meydan in March.
“We thought he is perhaps again for the Breeders’ Cup however he wasn’t – it’s simply a kind of issues,” stated joint-trainer William Muir. “He’s in the identical routine, which includes loads of train and swimming.
“It’s irritating however we’re not placing a time-frame on something. He seems marvellous however we’ll wait till he’s 100 per cent. If we are able to get him prepared for the Japan Cup, he’ll go, but when not we’ve got choices.”
Pyledriver might be joined in Japan by Deauville Legend, who arrived in Australia two days in the past for a tilt on the Lexus Melbourne Cup. The three-year-old is among the many favourites after successful the Group 2 Nice Voltigeur Stakes by two and three-quarter lengths in August.
“He’s in nice order,” stated coach James Ferguson. “There’s an incredible bonus, so he’s within the Japan Cup, and also will be within the Hong Kong Vase and Cup, however he’s not sure to run. He’ll should carry out nicely in Australia first.”