Storming Home is set for Japan Cup foray

Storming Home, winner of the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket, is set for a tilt at the Japan Cup, it was revealed today.

Connections of the four-yearold, who is trained by Barry Hills, are planning to send the colt for the 12-furlong race at Nakayama on 24 November.

Joe Mercer, racing manager for owner Maktoum Al Maktoum, said today: "He's going for the Japan Cup. I spoke to Barry yesterday and he's very pleased with him, he's in good form and good shape."

Storming Home had endured a mixed season before his Newmarket victory two weeks ago.

After an initial promising second behind Boreal in the Vodafone Coronation Cup he failed to live up to expectations before landing a confidence boosting win in the Listed Godolphin Stakes.

His performance at Newmarket, wearing sheepskin cheekpieces, marked a sharp return to form.

Plans have still to be made as to where the son of Machiavellian will be campaigned next season.

He had been thought likely to continue his career in America before his Champion Stakes victory.

But Mercer added: "We have not made any plans for him next season yet and everything depends on what Sheikh Maktoum wants to do." Japanese-trained horse have won the last four runnings of the race but Sir Michael Stoute achieved a notable double with Singspiel and Pilsudski in 1996 and 1997 respectively.

Meanwhile, Mick Kinane, who failed to cover himself in glory at the Breeders' Cup meeting, has his back to the wall in a bid to retain his Irish Jockeys' title.

And he could face another battle to keep his job as No1 rider at the mighty Ballydoyle stables of Aidan O'Brien, in the face of challenges from present leader in the Irish championship race, Johnny Murtagh, and the up-and-coming Jamie Spencer.