Manhattan Cafe scooped the prize at Kyoto in the spring Emperor's Cup holding off Jungle Pocket by a neck for 132 million yen and a perfect three-for-three Grade 1 record.
For a change, this week's big race held no surprises, with race heavyweights sweeping the top three spots. Jungle Pocket, 2001 Japan Cup winner and horse of the year, crossed the line in second after an impressive burst of speed powered him from six horses back at the top of the stretch to within arm's reach of victory.
Overtaken about 50 meters out was race favorite Narita Top Road, who finished in third place a half-length behind Jungle Pocket.