Snow Fairy's ready to be a big hit in Japan for Dunlop

Ed Dunlop says dual Oaks winner Snow Fairy is in top form as she bids for even greater riches in the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup at Kyoto racecourse in Japan on Sunday.

The filly was last seen finishing fourth to Arctic Cosmos in the St Leger at Doncaster in September but prior to that won the English and Irish Oaks.

With a massive purse up for grabs, trainer Dunlop admits the excellent prize money was a major reason why connections targeted the 1m3f event.

Dunlop said: "Snow Fairy is a dual Classic winner, yet picked up less than £500,000 for those victories at Epsom and the Curragh, whereas, with the JRA (Japan Racing Association) offering special bonuses for their big races, there is a pot of £1.4million on the table if she wins, so it made financial sense to give the Champion Stakes a miss and wait for Japan."

Dunlop says Snow Fairy, who will face a stern test from Japan Fillies' Triple Crown winner Apapane in the Grade One event, has travelled well.

He added: "It was a 40-hour journey by plane but the vibes that I have been getting from my team have been very encouraging. She has put on most of the weight that she lost en route.