The four-year-old colt, a close third to rivals Sierra Leone and Fierceness in the 2024 Classic, was primed for his big win this year.
Japan
Japan seeks first Arc, while fillies Aventure and Minnie Hauk rule early betting for the classic French distance race.
Handicapping has started in earnest on the 14 races on Friday and Saturday for the 41st Breeders' Cup, this year at Del Mar.
Encino was scratched from the Derby and Epic Ride has drawn in, while top Woodbine jockey Kazushi Kimura worked his mount.
The well-travelled 6-year-old led all the way through 1 1/8 miles to win the richest race in the world over the American star.
Charles Fipke's Grade 1 winner, trained by Woodbine's Roger Attfield, would be the first international horse to compete in Japan Grade 1.
Second foal of the Canadian champion has won three of five starts in Japan and this was his first Group victory.
Japanese horses have had a stranglehold on the Japan Cup for 15 years but this year there are three British entries.
Knicks Go flies to powerful Classic win, Godolphin completes two days with three wins and Japanese horses win two.
