Buena Vista surged late to claim the Group 1 Japan Cup before a 103,000 strong crowd in Tokyo on Sunday.

Japan’s favourite mare lost the 2010 Japan Cup on protest but there were no problems during the 31st renewal of the race which was worth the equivalent of $US6.50 million.

Buena Vista (5m Special Week – Biwa Heidi by Caerleon) kept out of trouble during the 2400m event on a very firm turf course and then powered home to catch Tosen Jordan by a neck.  

Buena Vista claimed her sixth Group 1 triumph and repeated the feat of her sire in the 1999 Japan Cup.  “I was never in doubt about her ability during this season, even in defeat,” trainer Hiroyoshi Matsuda said.  “The G1 Arima Kinen in December will be next and we will discuss the possibility of an overseas challenge next year.”

Matsuda trains Buena Vista for Shunsuke Yoshida’s Sunday Racing Co.  Her sire Special Week is a son of Shadai champion Sunday Silence and she has now won 9 of her 22 starts and earned over $US16.80 million.

Danedream, who was attempting to become the first Arc de Triomphe winner to take the Japan Cup, endured a wide trip and finished sixth.  Arc runner-up Shareta finished seventh while Canadian International winner Sarah Lynx never fired after racing at the back of the pack.