Japan Cup Betting Guide and Tips

We’re going to share the top tips for Japan Cup betting. The Japan Cup is one of Asia’s most prestigious horse races. Due to its popularity, the iconic turf event is also one the most popular events among horse racing bettors.

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If you want to take your Japan Cup betting to the next level, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading our Japan Cup betting guide for key information, tips and a whole lot more.

Introduction to the Japan Cup

The Japan Cup takes place annually on the last Sunday of November at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu. Inaugurated in 1981, the turf race is held over a distance of 2,400 meters (1.5 miles) and features thoroughbreds aged three and up.

Alongside the Breeders’ Cup, Melbourne Cup and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Japan Cup ranks as one of the top end-of-year events. Boasting a purse of ¥476 million (approximately US$5.8 million), it is also among the richest races on the planet.

Horse Racing Betting Tips

Japan Cup Betting Tips

Now that you’re up to speed on all the key information regarding the race, let’s dive into some useful Japan Cup betting tips. These tips will stand you in good stead when it comes to partaking in Japan Cup betting.

Look for Successful Horses and Jockeys

Before you part ways with your cash, be sure to study the history of the Japan Cup and look for the most successful horses and jockeys. Certain jockeys have won several titles, while a handful of horses have claimed multiple victories.

Yasunari Iwata was the winning jockey on three occasions between 2007 and 2012. In terms of horses, Gentildonna went back-to-back in 2012 and 2013 before Almond Eye won two titles in three years between 2018 and 2020.

Explore All the Japan Cup Betting Markets

Thankfully, there are plenty of different Japan Cup betting markets to choose from. In order to get the best possible value, we recommend exploring all the options.

Not only can you bet on the winning horse, but you can also bet on the top three horses and top five horses. You can also find Japan Cup props concerning both the horses and jockeys, so be sure to keep an eye out for those.

Study the Form Guide

It is pivotal that you analyze the form of the horses and jockeys before the race. There are always events in the lead-up to the Japan Cup, meaning bettors can get an idea of which entrants will perform well in Fuchu.

If one of the favorites is struggling in the lead-up to the race, it may be wise to steer clear. On the flip side, if an outsider finds some form before the Japan Cup, backing them could prove to be profitable.

Top Horse Races to Bet on in Japan

Recent Winners of the Japan Cup

• 2022 – Horse: Vela Azul / Jockey: Ryan Moore
• 2021 – Horse: Contrail / Jockey: Yuichi Fukunaga
• 2020 – Horse: Almond Eye / Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
• 2019 – Horse: Suave Richard / Jockey: Oisin Murphy
• 2018 – Horse: Almond Eye / Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
• 2017 – Horse: Cheval Grand / Jockey: Hugh Bowman
• 2016 – Horse: Kitasan Black / Jockey: Yutaka Take
• 2015 – Horse: Shonan Pandora / Jockey: Kenichi Ikezoe
• 2014 – Horse: Epiphaneia / Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
• 2013 – Horse: Gentildonna / Jockey: Ryan Moore

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