The eyes of the world turn to Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday for the 43rd running of the Group One Japan Cup (2,400m), with 17 challengers set to try and take down the magnificent Equinox.

Equinox, who has earned a world-topping 129 points in the rankings and is on a five-race Group One winning streak, and Liberty Island are the clear headliners, while French-trained Iresine is the only raider in the field.

Also among the notable participants are three-time Group One winner Titleholder, 2022 Group One Yushun Himba (2,400m) victor Stars On Earth, 2022 Group One Tokyo Yushun (2,400m) winner Do Deuce, and the unpredictable Deep Bond.

Equinox, a four-year-old son of 2016 Japan Cup winner Kitasan Black, returns from a win in the Group One Tenno Sho Autumn (2,000m) a month ago. Last year, he also won the Tenno Sho before winning the Group One Arima Kinen (2,500m).

Three-year-old Liberty Island has just aced Japan’s Triple Tiara and with the Group One Shuka Sho (2,000m) – the final test of the three fillies’ Classics – held at Kyoto on October 15, two weeks before Equinox landed the Tenno Sho, Liberty Island has had a longer rest ahead of today’s showdown.

Though Equinox’s connections still exhibit confidence, an underlying current of uncertainty is slightly perceptible.

“I don’t think it’s a problem. He’ll take on the Japan Cup in top condition and I think he’ll give us some very good results,” Christophe Lemaire, who has ridden the colt in all nine starts, says of the relatively tight rotation.

Lemaire, who did not ride Equinox’s work this week or last, says the four-year-old is at his best: “He’s physically strong and mentally tough. He reached his peak this autumn.”

But, Lemaire also does not ignore the very real threat from Liberty Island.

“Liberty Island was the best of the three-year-old fillies and she has everything. The combination of her speed and stamina is amazing. And carrying 119 pounds [compared to Equinox’s 128], I think she has a chance,” he said.

“Of course, when I ride Equinox, I always ride with the confidence that he is going to win. I am really looking forward to this battle between Equinox and Liberty Island and it makes me want to win a Group One even more.”

Tetsuya Kimura, who trains Equinox at the eastern training centre of Miho, had the colt breeze over 1,000m on the flat on Wednesday. Kimura focused on the basics, and says Equinox “was well-balanced”.

“He was patient and waited for the rider’s signal, then picked up the pace and ran solidly to the end. It was a good workout, as usual,” Kimura said.

“It’s what we always do, and I’m not going to make any empty promises but I and my staff will be doing our best to get him to the gate in the best of condition.”

Mitsumasa Nakauchida, Ritto-based trainer of Liberty Island, was much more upbeat.

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“Last week’s workout was just to let off some gas. I checked her movement and breathing, but it wasn’t that hard of a workout. This week I had jockey [Yuga Kawada] ride so he could get a reading on her. She moved well and the jockey was pleased. He pushed her a bit in the final stage and I think her time was a good one,” Nakauchida said.

“This fall, she’s only had one race. She’s on the up and up and I think she’s overall a level above what she was in the Shuka Sho.

“We do go into the race as a challenger and, of course, I’m tense, but I’m also excited. She’s three years old and this will be her first time up against older horses. And there are many strong runners. I think the nine-pound allowance is big help and I hope that she uses it to her advantage.”