JAPAN (119) proved to be the star turn last Thursday in Chester when wining the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes as Aidan O’Brien initiated a double in the prestigious races for older horses.

This represented a drop in class for the son of Galileo and was also a first foray beyond a mile and a half and it is safe to say he appreciated both in proving too strong for the well-ridden Trueshan (117).

Ryan Moore chose the inside path throughout aboard the winner and always looked comfortable even when Euchen Glen dropped back into his lap passing the half-mile pole.

Hollie Doyle was alive to Japan’s predicament and switched out around horses and asked Trueshan to quicken which he did in assuming the lead at the bottom of the home straight.

However, as soon as the gap opened for Moore and his mount, they were ready to challenge, eventually prevailing by three quarters of a length despite idling a shade in the last 100 yards.

Japan (38.7 seconds) covered the final three-furlongs slightly slower than El Drama (38.65 seconds), but the individual furlongs were more even as Japan saw his race out that much stronger.

The five-year-old is reported to be on course for the Coronation Cup at Epsom and, having been third in Anthony Van Dyck’s Derby, the track will be no barrier to success.

Trueshan will undoubtedly be better for the run as he has been in previous seasons and Sonnyboyliston (112) also emerges from the race with credit as he gave the impression that this trip was slightly beyond him.

This is supported by his sectional times as they compared favourably with the winner when the pace lifted.

A step back to 12 furlongs can see Johnny Murtagh’s gelding back in the winners’ enclosure either at Group 3 or listed level.