Blue Square have opened their book on the Japan Cup which takes place Sunday week in Tokyo and make Meisho Samson the 7/2 favourite. Shigetada Takahashi’s globetrotter was last seen finishing tenth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe behind Zarkava but had previously finished third in last year’s Japan Cup and has been installed as favourite to go two better next weekend. 

Vodka is next in the market at 9/2, with Eishin Deputy just behind at 5/1. Papal Bull is a 10/1 shot to give Sir Michael Stoute a third winner of the race and aims to follow in the footsteps of Singspiel and Pilsudski. Luca Cumani won the race with Alkaased back in 2005 and Purple Moon is a 20/1 shot to give him his second winner of the race.

Japan Cup betting – Blue Square bet: 7/2 Meisho Samson, 9/2 Vodka, 5 Eishin Deputy, 7 Deep Sky, 8 Daiwa Scarlet, 10 Papal Bull, 12 Little Amapola, 14 Kawakami Princess, Sixties Icon, 16 Black Emblem, Marsh Side, 20 Purple Moon, Inti Raimi, 25 Mood Indigo, Portofino, 33 Air Shady, Company, Asakusa Kings ¼ 1-2-3

Pro Tip: use the code MAXIMUMBONUS when you sign up to Blue Sq. for £50 free