Japan Left With One Arc Chance

Japan has a record 11 entries for this year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp but it appears only one will make it to Chantilly for Europe’s greatest race.

Many of the entries have reconsidered their plans based on how their training has progressed, so now it appears that only Japan Derby winner Makahiki will challenge for the prize in October.

Makahiki will be the first colt since Kizuna in 2013 to challenge for the Arc in the same year of his win in the th Derby (Tokyo Yushun) over 2400m.

After winning the G2 Yayoi Sho (2000m) for his third straight victory, the Deep Impact colt took second in the first leg of the Triple Crown, the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) over 2000m when beaten by Dee Majesty.

In the Tokyo Yushun, Makahiki saved ground along the rails before demonstrating a terrific turn of speed through a narrow opening to out-duel Satono Diamond for a nose victory.

Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi expects his colt to be suited at Chantilly.

“The Japanese horses may have a better chance this year because of Chantilly’s type of course.

“Makahiki is not just a speedster but also a powerful colt, so I am confident that he has the stamina required to handle the deep European-style surface.

“He is also a calm horse, which is an advantage when having to travel.”

Tomomichi has booked Christophe Lemaire to partner his colt in France. Lemaire rode the colt twice earlier in his career.

They also collaborate in Makahiki’s overseas debut in the G2 Prix Niel (2400m) as his prep race for the Arc.

Makahiki’s owner Makoto Kaneko was unable to claim the Arc trophy with his colt’s sire Deep Impact.

Makahiki is booked to be flown to France on August 19.

Expectations of an Arc bid were high after A Shin Hikari scored an overwhelming 10-length victory in the G1 Prix d’Ispahan (1800m) at Chantilly in May. This is the same course where the Arc will be held this year while Longchamp undergoes renovation.

A Shin Hikari was not originally included among the 11 Japanese entries for the Arc but became a possible addition after his victory in the Prix d’Ispahan.

However, after a disappointing sixth in the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot he is now likely to focus on the G1 Tenno Sho (2000m) on October 30 and a repeat victory in the Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on December 11 before retiring to stud.

Duramente, last year’s Satsuki Sho and Tokyo Yushun winner, made a successful comeback this February with a victory in the G2 Nakayama Kinen but lost a shoe before the start of the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in March and could not be reshod before the start.

He ran barefoot for gallant second behind Postponed and misfortune again struck when he contested the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) when he missed by just a neck before striking himself after the line and suffering ligament and tendon injuries that led to his early retirement.

This year’s Satsuki Sho winner Dee Majesty was third in the Tokyo Yushun. He is headed towards the G2 St. Lite Kinen (2200m) on September 18 and after that the plan is to run him in the third leg of the Triple Crown, the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) over 3000m on October 23.

Another Deep Impact colts Vanquish Run, who disappointed when 13th in the Tokyo Yushun when coming off a victory in the derby trial, the G2 Aoba Sho will stay in Japan for his fall campaign as will his stablemate Tosen Victory.

The Yasutoshi Ikee-trained Satono Diamond, third and second in the Satsuki Sho and Tokyo Yushun, as well as his stablemates Satono Noblesse and Satono Rasen will pass also up this year’s Arc.

Satono Diamond will kick off his fall campaign in the G2 Kobe Shimbun Hai (2400m) on September 25 then aim for the Kikuka Sho.

Touching Speech will bid for the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2200m) on November 13 and One And Only will focus on racing in Japan this fall.

Mount Robson, a stablemate of Duramente, also does not appear to be making the trip to France this year.