The Japan Cup is one of the biggest horse races in Asia. First run in 1981, it takes place annually at the Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchū. With a total prize pool of ¥1,085,000,000, the race attracts some of the biggest runners and riders, making it one of the most anticipated horse events on the calendar.
It, therefore, should come as no surprise that Japan Cup betting is also big business. If you are unfamiliar with horse racing in Asia, don't worry. Before placing any wagers, we will outline what to consider, including past winners, available markets and expert tips, alongside the best Japan Cup betting sites. Let’s have it.
Best Bookies for Japanese Horse Racing
When betting on any sport, you should always opt for one of the top online bookmakers. The number of bookies covering the race has increased significantly over recent years. However, the best Japan Cup betting sites will offer competitive odds, ante-post and pre-race markets, and live streaming. Our top picks are listed below:
How to Bet on the Japan Cup
There are several things to consider when backing a runner. Although no strategy can guarantee success, there are pointers you should look for to place the best-informed bet. Besides understanding the key horse racing betting terminology, here are some factors to think about before making your final selections.
Stats of Previous Winners
A large number of statistics are available surrounding the Japan Cup. However, one of the most important steps that punters can take is to look at the previous winners. There haven't been many multi-winners of the Japan Cup. The only exception is Gentildonna, which prevailed in 2012 and 2013.
Training Team and Stable
When it comes to past performances, some trainers and owners stand out. For example, Sakae Kunieda has trained the winner of the Japan Cup twice in the last four years. Meanwhile, horses from the Sunday Racing stable won the race for four consecutive years from 2010-2013.
More recently, there has been no real trend regarding stable winners. The leading horse racing trainers work tirelessly to ensure their prized assets are in the best possible condition before traveling to Tokyo.
Horses' Age/Pedigree
Considering the age of previous winners is arguably more important. In the last 10 races, just one winner has been aged less than four. This came in 2018 when Almond 3-year-old Almond Eye came out on top.
Horses often do not reach their peak until around age 5. So, previous contenders in the race that did not place should not be written off, especially if they were aged 3 at the time.
What Do You Need to Know About the Racecourse?
The Japan Cup takes place at the Tokyo Racecourse, opened in 1933. Knowing the insides and outs of the track will offer you a better chance of backing a winner. It is also worth noting that some horses perform better in some fields.
Tokyo Racecourse is located in Fuchū. The Japan Cup takes place over a distance of 2400m (12 ½ furlongs) on left-handed turf. When it comes down to how to bet on horse races, all Japan Cup tips should take into account racecourse information.
Things to Know Before Betting on the Japan Cup
It is certainly no easy task to back winners in Japan Cup betting. So, besides selecting the right bookie, what other steps can you take to maximize your chances of success? Below, we provide some useful points to consider:
Betting markets: Two markets attract the most interest when betting on the Japan Cup. Many will wager which horse will win in pre-race or ante-post horse racing. Each runner is given a specific price based on their form, age, weight and other factors. Meanwhile, an each-way bet, which requires double the stake, is effectively two bets in one. The first half is a winner bet, while the other is a place pick, for example, punting on 'finish in one of the top positions'.
Qualifications: The Japan Cup is a race available to thoroughbreds aged 3+. Of 18 horses in total, up to 10 are allowed to have foreign trainers. Preference is given to the winners of selected international races, such as the Melbourne Cup, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and Breeders’ Cup.
Purse: While it should not impact the Japan Cup betting, the Grade 1 race has a purse of ¥1,085,000,000. The winner takes home ¥500,000,000, second ¥200,000,000, third ¥130,000,000, fourth ¥75,000,000 and ¥50,000,000 for the 5th. As a result, competition for places is understandably great.
Bonus: Many bonuses apply to the top positions in the Japan Cup. The most important one was added back in 2012. As a result, if a foreign-based horse finishes third or above in the race, a bonus of ¥ 80, 32, or 20 million would be added to the prize fund. This was introduced in an attempt to attract higher-profile foreign entrants.
Look out for offers and promotions: Leading Japan Cup betting sites will feature a range of promotions. Some are specific to the Japan Cup and horse racing, while others are more generic. When the terms and conditions are realistic, the Best Odds Guaranteed and cashback offers are worth taking advantage of, just like free bets. A betting bonus can help punters maximize their profits and minimize losses.
Most Valuable Japan Cup Odds
When looking to back a winner, our Japan Cup horse racing tips are certainly beneficial. Many bettors will do little research before backing their favourite, failing to consider past performances, form and other vital factors. However, having looked at such information, as well as odds offered by bookies, the following are our top picks ahead of the race:
⏩ Tip 1: Cervinia to win the Japan Cup at 3/1 (4.00)
Although bookies rate this horse as a second favorite in the race, Cervinia is coming in strong after winning the Fillies Triple Crown in October 2024. With Tetsuya Kimura as a trainer and Lemaire as a jockey, this bet screams winner, and that's why you will find it at relatively low odds. It is priced at 4.00 and is a much more likely winner bet than if you place it on Rodin or Goliath, especially if you consider that most winners of the Japan Cup are locals.
⏩ Tip 2: Auguste Rodin to win Each Way at 7/1 (8.00)
The 4-year-old Auguste Rodin comes into the Japan Cup with many wins up his sleeve. The Aiden O'brian-trained horse started the year winning the Prince of Wales Stakes after bringing many trophies in 2023, including Epsom and the Breeder's Cup. Auguste Rodin seems to be a runner maturing at precisely the right time.
Which Are the Latest Winners?
The Japan Cup dates back to 1981. It is now one of the biggest races in Asia, sitting alongside the Tōkyō Yūshun and Yasuda Kinen as part of the Asia Mile Challenge. Despite the ever-increasing number of foreign runners, Japanese entrants have dominated the race.
This is important to consider the high skill levels of local stables. Below is a list of the last 10 Japan Cup winners, including their age, trainer and nationality:
Year | Winner | Age | Trainer | Country |
2023 | Equinox | 4 | Tetsuya Kimura | Japan |
2022 | Vela Azul | 5 | Kunihiko Watanabe | Japan |
2021 | Contrail | 4 | Yoshito Yahagi | Japan |
2020 | Almond Eye | 5 | Sakae Kunieda | Japan |
2019 | Suave Richard | 5 | Yasushi Shono | Japan |
2018 | Almond Eye | 3 | Sakae Kunieda | Japan |
2017 | Cheval Grand | 5 | Yasuo Tomomichi | Japan |
2016 | Kitasan Black | 4 | Hisashi Shimizu | Japan |
2015 | Shonan Pandora | 4 | Tomokazu Takano | Japan |
2014 | Epiphaneia | 4 | Katsuhiko Sumii | Japan |
2013 | Gentildonna | 4 | Sei Ishizaka | Japan |
2012 | Gentildonna | 3 | Sei Ishizaka | Japan |
Other Notable International Horse Races
The Japan Cup does not even come close to the most lucrative horse events. Plus, it only takes place once a year. If you are an avid bettor, you need many options to place your wagers. Below, you can find a short list of some other key international races, alongside helpful tips and advice from our expert team:
⏩ Top Arc De Triomphe Betting Sites
⏩ King George Chase Betting Tips
Full List of Japan Cup Betting Sites
Not only is the Japan Cup a big deal for horse racing fans, but it is also a big day in the calendar for bettors. The race represents an excellent opportunity to find value, given that there are 18 quality entrants.
Just be sure to do your homework before confirming any bet while also taking advantage of nothing but the very best bookmakers for horse racing. The following are our top-ranked Japan Cup betting sites:
Horse racing is an increasingly popular sport in Japan. A number of Grade 1 races are now held, with over 20,000 occurring annually. This has led to many also betting on horse races, both domestically and internationally.
Equinox won the 2023 Japan Cup. The 4-year-old finished in a time of 2:21.8, ahead of Liberty Island and Stars on Earth.
The best bookies for the Japan Cup come with competitive odds, full racecards, cash out and even live streaming. Such features help to make betting on the race all the more enjoyable. Our recommended bookies are all secure and fair too.
When betting on the Japan Cup, punters will likely have a variety of offers to take advantage of. The most common and popular include free bets, Best Odds Guaranteed, cashback and insurance