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SARGA.CO – Japanese Dirt Double Crown champion Finger is preparing for the biggest test of his career after connections confirmed the colt will launch an international campaign in the United States this summer.
Trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka announced on June 25 that Finger is being aimed at the Grade 1 Pacific Classic, a 2,000-metre contest at Del Mar Racecourse in California on August 22. The race is expected to serve as the colt's international debut and could pave the way for an even bigger target later in the year.
Should Finger perform well, he is likely to remain in the United States for the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland Racecourse on October 31.
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Tanaka told Nikkan Sports.
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Finger has been virtually untouchable on Japan's dirt circuit this season. The son of Gun Runner opened his 2026 campaign by winning the Haneda Hai, the first leg of Japan's Dirt Triple Crown series for three-year-olds.
He followed that performance with a commanding victory in the Tokyo Derby, securing the Japanese Dirt Double Crown in dominant fashion and cementing his status as the country's leading dirt sophomore.
Under normal circumstances, Finger's next assignment would be the Japan Dirt Classic (Jpn1) on October 7, where he would have the opportunity to complete the coveted Japanese Dirt Triple Crown.
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However, with an overseas campaign now taking priority, his participation in the final leg of the series remains uncertain. His connections have yet to confirm whether the colt will return to Japan in time for the race.
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Rather than staying home to chase the Triple Crown, Finger's connections have opted to test him against elite international competition in one of North America's premier dirt races.
Run over 2,000 metres at Del Mar, the Pacific Classic has long attracted some of the continent's top dirt performers. The race has also produced unforgettable moments, most notably Flightline's astonishing 19¼-length victory in 2022, widely regarded as one of the most dominant Grade 1 performances in modern American racing.
A strong showing in the Pacific Classic would not only establish Finger as a genuine international contender but also strengthen his credentials ahead of the Breeders' Cup Classic, one of the richest and most prestigious dirt races in the world.
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Finger is currently enjoying a short freshening at Tomorrow Farm in Tochigi Prefecture before beginning preparations for his journey to the United States.
The decision to race overseas also reflects the growing confidence surrounding Japanese-trained dirt horses on the global stage. In recent years, Japanese runners have emerged as major contenders, and winners, in marquee events such as the Saudi Cup, Dubai World Cup, and the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Now, Finger will attempt to become the latest Japanese dirt star to make his mark on the international stage.
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