Racing: Japanese target Sydney plums

Admire Rakti. Photo / Getty Images

Fears Admire Rakti's Melbourne Cup death would halt Japan's invasion of Australian racing were extinguished at the weekend.

Japan has nominated four of its best racehorses for Sydney's The Championships in April.

Racing NSW chairman John Messara has confirmed that To The World, Real Impact, Tosen Stardom and World Ace - among the best performers in Japan - are being prepared for The Championships.

To The World and Tosen Stardom are aimed at the A$4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 11. World Ace and Real Impact are tackling the A$3 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) a week earlier.

"These are four genuine world-class performers," said Messara.

Japanese horses are regarded as the equal of any in the world, shown by Admire Rakti's stunning Caulfield Cup victory under a big weight.

"We have no doubt they will be very competitive and should bring with them immense interest from the Japanese media," said Messara.

To The World is truly outstanding. Last weekend, she finished an excellent second to the great mare Gentildonna in her farewell race, the group one Arima Kinen.