In The Money Media’s Peter Thomas Fornatale (PTF) is joined by international racing handicapper Alex Henry to preview the Japanese contingent slated to come to Keeneland to compete in Breeders’ Cup 2026 later in October!
Japan has gained a stronger grip on the Breeders’ Cup World Championships over the years with last year’s edition marking the country’s greatest success when Forever Young claimed the crown in the Breeders’ Cup Classic 2025, and now the pride of Japan will return to defend his title in Breeders’ Cup Classic 2026 off a victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup 2026 at Belmont Park in September.
Japan will also send a host of other major contenders in other Breeders’ Cup races including T O Elvis, a probable for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint alongside American Stage who torched the track on Kentucky Derby 2026 day when he stormed to victory in the Churchill Downs Stakes 2026. T O Password, a Japanese runner who finished fifth in Kentucky Derby 2024, is also projected to return to America to lay aim at the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile alongside Lord Fons, a multiple stakes winner in Japan. Deep Monster, who won a graded stake in Qatar earlier this year, has his sights set on the Breeders’ Cup Turf while Ask Ikigomi and Lugal are probables for the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
