Dual Irish St Leger winner Oscar Schindler looked a picture of health yesterday as he worked alone on the dirt at Tokyo Racecourse, where the eagerly awaited rain has arrived. The colt covered the final five furlongs of his work in 65 seconds and the final furlong in 12.7 seconds.

French challenger Astarabad did some light work and is pleasing connections with his progress. German hope Caitano, trained by Bruno Schutz, also did a piece of light work. Pilsudski, with Greville Starkey up, had a steady workout and is due to go out on the turf course today. The Michael Stoute-trained fiveyear-old, winner of the Eclipse and Champion Stakes this season, retires to stud after Sunday's race.

Fellow British raider Mons, trained by Luca Cumani, remained at the Shiroi quarantine station and did two canters on the training track. He is due to leave quarantine today to join the other challengers at the main racecourse.