Grain takes it easy as Tokyo test approaches

Pure Grain, aiming to become only the second British-trained winner of the Japan Cup, did nothing more than a light canter yesterday under her exercise rider, John O'Brien.

The Michael Stoute-trained filly's task in Tokyo on Sunday was eased slightly with the news that Lassigny, the Rothmans International winner trained in America by Bill Mott, has a bruised foot and may miss the race.

Pure Grain's big-race partner, John Reid, takes over in the saddle for a more vigorous workout this morning.

The other European runners - Carling and Hernando from France, and Germany's Lando - also had their first taste of Tokyo racecourse yesterday.

Coral: 4-1 Hishi Amazon, 9-2 Narita Brian, 6-1 Danewin, Sandpit, 10-1 Pure Grain, 12-1 Awad, Hernando, Lassigny, Matikanetannhauser, 14-1 Royce & Royce, Taki Blizzard, 20-1 Carling, Lando, Nice Nature, 33-1 others.