The Japan Racing Association set up the Japan Cup in 1981 with the goal of breeding world-class thoroughbreds, and that by pitting Japanese racehorses against some of the best overseas would help with the process.

The hosts and the visitors have split the past 28 Japan Cups, each side winning 14. While the foreign horses dominated the early races starting with the inaugural run won by American Mairzy Doates, the Japanese contingency has turned the tables on them over the last decade. Since 1998, only two foreign horses have won the Japan Cup, Alkaased in 2005 and Falbrav in 2002 – and both were ridden by the one and only Lafranco Dettori.

This year's Japan Cup on Nov. 29 at the state-of-the-art Tokyo Racecourse will see five entries from abroad, three from the United States, two from Britain: Conduit, Scintillo, Interpatation, Just as Well and Marsh Side. Four-time Grade 1 champion Conduit is eligible for the Japan Autumn International bonus, having the opportunity to collect an additional 130 million yen to the 250 million yen the 4-year-old will be awarded should he win the 2,400-meter race. 2008 Japan Cup (G1)

The first ever Japan Cup was open to North American and Asian horses before Europe and Oceania were added to the list the following year. In 1992, the Japan Cup became the JRA’s first Grade 1 race approved by the International Cataloguing. From 1999 to 2005, it was part of the World Racing Championship, then the game’s preeminent international series.

The Japan Cup has been held at Fuchu every year apart from 2002, when it was held at Nakayama at a distance of 2,200 meters while Tokyo was under renovation. The race record is held by Alkaased (2 minutes, 22.1 seconds), with Dettori having won a record three Japan Cups. Sir Michael Stoute is the only trainer to have lifted two Japan Cups in 1996 and 1997; Stoute trains Conduit.

The 2,400 meters at Tokyo starts on the home stretch, with a run of 400 meters to the first turn bending left for 550 meters, into the back straight. After another 400-meter run, the course curves again for two furlongs before leading back home, a straight of 525 meters which slopes upward for the first 225 meters.

Some of the JRA’s biggest stars of all time have been Japan Cup winners, from Deep Impact to T.M.Opera O to El Condor Pasa to Symboli Rudolf to name a few. This year’s local field is expected to feature nine Grade 1 winners including defending champion Screen Hero among the total of 18 runners. Post time is set for 3:20 p.m.