The Japan Autumn International series closes this Sunday with the Grade 1 Champions Cup at Chukyo Racecourse, a 1,800-metre dirt test that serves as the country’s premier autumn dirt championship. Since its start in 2000 the event has moved venues and in 2014 settled at Chukyo, where the tight, left-handed circuit and four corners demand balance, positioning and a sharp turn of foot.

Although international nominations included notable names, no overseas runners will travel this year, leaving Japan’s dirt specialists to contest the ¥120 million winner’s prize. Two November preps—the Miyako Stakes (Kyoto) and the Musashino Stakes (Tokyo)—provided the clearest form lines, and 24 nominations will be whittled to a maximum field of 16 when final declarations and the barrier draw are published.

W Heart Bond headlines the entry list. The 4-year-old Kizuna filly is six-from-seven on dirt and arrives off a gutsy, record-setting win in the G3 Miyako Stakes. Under Ryusei Sakai, who has won the last two Champions Cups, she brings momentum and speed and could become only the second filly or mare to capture the title.

Narukami and Wilson Tesoro are among the chief dangers. Narukami, a 3-year-old by Thunder Snow, is unbeaten in four straight dirt starts and has progressed confidently through distances from 1,700m to 2,000m. Wilson Tesoro, a seasoned campaigner, finished runner-up in this race the past two years and, despite a below-par fifth in the JBC Classic, remains a durable and familiar threat with Yuga Kawada aboard.

Veteran Meisho Hario and former turf star Sixpence add further intrigue. Meisho Hario, now eight, stays competitive at the top level and was runner-up in the JBC Classic, while Sixpence—three Grade 2 turf wins to his name—showed promise switching to dirt when he chased Wilson Tesoro in October’s Nambu Hai. Both bring experienced rides and tactical versatility.

Other contenders to watch include Musashino Stakes winner Luxor Cafe (pictured), Chukyo specialist Ramjet and Outrange, who looks to rebound from a wet-track fade. With established stars, rising youngsters and surface-switching outsiders, this year’s Champions Cup promises a compact, competitive renewal and a fitting finale to Japan’s autumn dirt season.