Trip To Paris bids to ease a little of the pain felt by Ed Dunlop and his team as he lines up in the Japan Cup at Tokyo racecourse on Sunday.
Trip To Paris bids to ease a little of the pain felt by Ed Dunlop and his team as he lines up in the Japan Cup at Tokyo racecourse on Sunday.
The four-year-old, who won the Ascot Gold Cup earlier in the season, claimed fourth place in the Melbourne Cup last time out - the race in which the stable's globetrotting flag-bearer Red Cadeaux suffered what was to ultimately prove a fatal injury.
Trip To Paris has been on the go since March, counting a Chester Cup victory and a fine second in the Caulfield Cup among the high points of his campaign along with his Royal Ascot success.
And Dunlop is hoping Trip To Paris can bring a bright spot to what has been a trying week as he drops back to 12 furlongs.
The Newmarket trainer told www.edunlop.com: "It has been a difficult week following the devastating news last weekend, but our memories of Red Cadeaux will be cherished forever.
"Thank you to everyone who has offered messages of condolence and support - we appreciate these greatly and they help to ease the burden during dark times.
"Red Cadeaux is irreplaceable, but we are fortunate enough to have another horse capable of competing on the international stage and Trip To Paris continues on his global adventure in the Japan Cup.
"He was drawn in barrier two, with only favourite Lovely Day on his inside, which pleased us and jockey Tommy Berry.
"This will be his 11th start of the year, but he came out of the Melbourne Cup in good form and we know from his Caulfield exploits that he is capable of mixing it with the best over a mile and a half on quick ground.
"The La Grange Partnership (owners) were excited by the opportunity to enjoy another foreign escapade and this doesn't look a vintage renewal of the race on paper."
Trip To Paris is one of four European-trained contenders, with Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe fifth, the Francis Graffard-trained Erupt, also taking his chance along with German runners Ito and Nightflower.
Ryan Moore will also be in action as he partners the locally-trained Last Impact, with Gold Ship, Mikki Queen and multiple Grade One winner Lovely Day also in the 18-runner field.