After parading his skills at Ascot in the Shergar Cup Championship, top Indian saddle artiste Suraj Narredu is now in Japan to compete in the World All-Stars Jockeys championship on Aug 22 & 23 at the Sapporo racecourse. The top Indian "Knight' in his bid to produce his best in the big-ticket event worked three horses, a couple of days ago and pleased with the exercise disclosed that he is ready for the big test in his maiden appearance at Sapporo.

The World All-Stars Jockeys Championship (WASJ) is one of the premier international jockeys competition and the Japan Racing Association (JRA) this year has invited six top overseas saddle artistes including the Indian top gun Suraj. The rest of the high-five international group consists of Richard Fourie of South Africa, Rafael Hernandez (Canada), Damian Lane and Zac Lloyd (Australia) and Marie Velon (France). 

Marie Velon is back again in Japan after her debut in the World All-Stars Jockeys event three summers ago. On her debut the French lady jockey finished fourth overall and claimed her first JRA victory in the third leg. Back after three years, Velon is aiming to become the first female champion in her second appearance in this prestigious championship. 

For Suraj, who to his credit has booted home 2500 winners including more than 100 classics, the chance to showcase his skills against the best at Sapporo provides the star Indian performer, who made India proud booting home Fireblade at Ascot in the Shergar Championship last year, another opportunity to put India firmly on the International map. The top gun, who has successfully partnered some of the best horses in his short stints in Macau, Mauritius, Malaysia, Dubai and Australia, Suraj in a telephonic conversation with indiarace.com from Sapporo revealed that he is on top of his game and all he needs is a couple of good mounts from the 10 he will pilot on the two-day extravaganza. 

"Getting a chance to ride in Japan is a dream come true and hopefully I will make it count against the world's best jockeys," said Suraj adding that the experience and the exposure he will gain from performing against the best will help him get to the next level. "To make my debut in Japan alongside some of the best jockeys on the international circuit is an incredible opportunity and I'm looking forward to it," said Suraj, who will pilot Itsumo Nikoniko in the G3 event. 

The WASJ classic event will feature four races across two days, with two legs on the first day and the remaining two on Sunday, Aug 23. The overseas and National Association Of Racing (NAR) jockeys will also compete collectively as Team WAS (World All-Star) against Team JRA in a separate team competition.