Young Japanese jockey Akira Sugawara is set to ride Warp Speed in this year’s Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, marking his debut in Australian racing.

Sugawara, who grew up near Nakayama Racecourse in Japan, has already tasted success at the highest level, having claimed victory aboard Blow The Horn in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen in June.

At the time of writing, Sugawara sits in 13th place in the Japan Racing Association’s jockeys’ premiership, with 49 wins to his name for 2024.

Sugawara shares a long-standing partnership with Warp Speed, having ridden him three starts ago to a third-place finish in the G3 Diamond Stakes over 3400 meters.

Warp Speed’s most recent performance, a fifth-place finish in the G1 Tenno Sho (Spring), convinced his connections to send him to Melbourne for the Australian spring season.

“After his last run in the Tenno Sho Spring over 3200m, he put in a huge effort. He came back in great shape, barely winded. That showed us he’s an exceptional stayer,” said assistant trainer Isao Nakagaki, speaking through translator Kosi Kawakami.

Nakagaki explained that due to the lack of long-distance Group 1 races in Japan during the autumn, they decided to bring Warp Speed to Australia, believing he would be a strong contender for the 2024 Melbourne Cup.

Since arriving in Melbourne on Monday, the Japanese stayer has settled in well at Werribee. “We’re very pleased with how the horse has adjusted,” Nakagaki said. “The environment here is fantastic, and he seems to be thriving—almost better than when he was in Japan.”

Warp Speed is currently listed at $34 for both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup according to betting sites in Australia.

*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.