Japan confident of Melbourne Cup success

The trainer of Japanese galloper Breakup in the Melbourne Cup is expecting the roomier Flemington circuit and a slower tempo to suit his galloper.

Tatsuya Yoshioka is upbeat about the chances of Breakup in the lead-up to the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on Tuesday.

Breakup made his Australian debut in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 8, finishing eighth behind Without A Fight.

That was the six-year-old’s first start since finishing 12th to the one of the World’s Highest Rated gallopers Equinox in the Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) back in June.

Speaking through a translator, Yoshioka said he seen improvement from Breakup since the Caulfield Cup performance.

“It was his first-up run for a while,” Yoshioka said.

“I don’t think the race panned out well for him that day.

“It was a really strong paced race. Being 2400 metres, we would have preferred the pace to be a bit slower, and in stepping up to 3200 metres, the pace will be a bit slower, so that will suit him better.

“He did race like it was a first-up run, but since the race he has really tightened up and he looks better and feels better, so I’m happy with him.

“The 3200 metres will suit him. We think the Flemington racecourse will suit him better, so everything is upwards and onwards.

Breakup has drawn barrier 18 and Yoshioka has full faith in Kohei Matsuyama who replaces Damian Lane in Tuesday’s race.

Yoskioka said the draw would give Matsuyama options during the race.

“I’m happy with the barrier draw,” Yoshioka said.

“It’s not too inside so he’s not going to be surrounded by too many horses, so he should be easy to ride.

“Matsuyama is a big jockey in Japan and has won a lot of big races in Japan, Group 1’s.

“Of all the big jockeys to have ridden Breakup, he suits him the best.

“So, we’re happy to have him on.”