There was a fair bit of movement in the odds with Kiseki actually jumping as favourite ($3.60). Kiseki led most of the way - and well into the straight - before Lys Gracieux ($5.40) took over and cantered away with it. On board was Aussie Damian Lane. Kiseki held second place 3 lengths back and two ahead of Suave Richard in 3rd. It was the second fastest running over this course/distance since 1993 (which is how far wikipedia results go back to).

Watch the race here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNA9yh0Jga8

The Takarazuka Kinen may not be a Melbourne Cup qualifying race, but Kiseki came 2nd in the Japan Cup late last year - which is, given it's a G1 2400m - earning over $7mil. If they want in The Cup then a start would be pretty much assured.

He looks to have changed his running style, perhaps with an Australian tilt in mind. His early races saw him running towards the rear, whereas the last few have had him lead. Kiseki also looks comfortable on tracks that aren't the typical Japanese Firm: that 3000m victory mentioned previously was on a heavy turf track.

I think he might be slightly better suited to the Cox and Caulfield, but the extra entry fees for the Melbourne Cup wouldn't be a problem: why not all three!