The Japan Cup in its short history has become one of the world's most prestigious races, featuring an invitational field of top older turf horses from Japan and around the world contesting the 2400 meter (about 1 1/2 mile) trip for a total purse of about $4.6 million. A full field of 18 went to post with Autumn Tenno Sho winner Meisho Samson sent off as the heavy 4-5 favorite over 5-1 second choice Vodka, one of two fillies in the field and the only filly to win the Japanese Derby. Kyoto Daishonen winner Inti Raimi was the 6-1 third choice. The local crowd had little respect for the foreign runners, with California invader Artiste Royal the shortest priced shipper at 27-1, exiting a win in the Clement Hirsch Turf Classic at Santa Anita.
Chosan went to to front first time past the stands and he set a pace of 23.60, 47.90, 1:12.80, and 1:38.20 while being stalked by Cosmo Bulk and Fusaichi Pandora the whole way. Favorite Meisho Samson hugged the rail in ninth most of the way. Turning for home, the field fanned out and a cavalry charge ensued, but left a hole on the inside for 10-1 fifth choice Admire Moon, who had settled in fourth on a ground-saving trip in heavy traffic. Jockey Yasunari Iwata asked him for run and got it, as Admire Moon came through on the rail with 3/16 of a mile to go, as pacesetter Chosan began to tire. Admire Moon opened up a 2 length lead with a furlong to go, and was all out to hold off late-running Pop Rock by a head in a time of 2:24.70 over the firm course. Meisho Samson put in a strong rally down the center of the course to finish third by a neck, while Vodka, who raced at the back of the field for the first 1 1/8 miles, closed with a rush widest of all to get fourth. Her 3 furlong stretch run was timed at 33.6 seconds, the fastest in the field.
