Australian jumper Pentiffic has finished fifth in the Pegasus Jump at Nakayama in Japan, his lead up to the world's richest race over obstacles next month.Bashi Ken won the race with Pentiffic, the only foreign entry, 10-3/4 lengths away in the 3350m race.Trained by Fran Houlahan and Brian Johnston, Pentiffic went into the race as the second favourite but Bashi Ken led into the straight and held off all challengers.Australian jockey Trent Wells is in Japan with Pentiffic, winner of the 2009 Gran
Australian jumper Pentiffic has finished fifth in the Pegasus Jump at Nakayama in Japan, his lead up to the world's richest race over obstacles next month.
Bashi Ken won the race with Pentiffic, the only foreign entry, 10-3/4 lengths away in the 3350m race.
Trained by Fran Houlahan and Brian Johnston, Pentiffic went into the race as the second favourite but Bashi Ken led into the straight and held off all challengers.
Australian jockey Trent Wells is in Japan with Pentiffic, winner of the 2009 Grand National Steeplechase, the Crisp Steeplechase and the Hiskens Steeplechase.
His fifth in Japan is the first time he has been beaten over steeplechase fences.
No winner of the Pegasus Jump has gone on to win the Nakayama Grand Jump (4250m) which will be held this year on April 17.
Pentiffic will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Australia's legendary jumper Karasi, who won the Nakayama Grand Jump three years in a row from 2005 to 2007 before injury forced his withdrawal just days ahead of the 2008 race.
After the race, Pentiffic will travel to England where he will be trained by Venetia Williams who prepared last year's Aintree Grand National Steeplechase winner Mon Mome.