Japan's Espoir City gets shot in BC Classic

There has been little Japanese participation in the Breeders' Cup over the years, just three starters in all, the last being Personal Rush, who finished sixth of 13 as a 25-1 shot in the Breeders' Cup Classic won by Ghostzapper in 2004 at Lone Star Park. But Japan will be well represented this year with a horse who is unquestionably that country's best runner sent here thus far for the Breeders' Cup, Espoir City.

Despite a loss in his final prep Monday, he remains on course to challenge the likes of Horse of the Year candidates Zenyatta, Blame, Quality Road, and Lookin At Lucky in the BC Classic on Nov. 6 at Churchill Downs.

Espoir City, 5, scored the biggest win of his career last December in the Japan Cup Dirt. He has won 11 of 20 lifetime, but is clearly superior on dirt, over which he is 10 for 13. Espoir City has been pointed to the Classic all year. His connections made a scouting trip to Churchill Downs earlier this year, and Espoir City was purposely given the summer off from racing in order to be at his peak in the fall.