Orfevre: Prix Foy winner 5-2 to become first Japanese Arc winner
PICTURE: Masakazu TakahashiOrfevre 5-2 for Arc after big names are ruled out
ORFEVRE is as short as 5-2 to give Japan a first win in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday after two of his main rivals for the world's richest turf race were declared non-runners in a dramatic few hours on Tuesday morning.
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Last year's winner Danedream was officially ruled out of the race having been stabled at Cologne racecourse where a horse tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA), also known as swamp fever, on Monday night.
Later Nathaniel, who finished a nose behind Danedream in the King George at Ascot in the summer was also declared a non-runner. Trainer John Gosden reported that the 3-1 second favourite for the Longchamp race, would miss it after his blood was found to not be right.
Gosden said: "Nathaniel spiked a temperature this morning. Blood tests were taken immediately and his blood was found to not be right.
"In light of the results he is a non-runner in the Arc."
With Nathaniel out of the race, his regular rider William Buick emerged as the 2-1 favourite with Star Sports to take the ride on Camelot should the dual Derby winner line up in the Arc.
Danedream was reported to be fine on Tuesday morning, but restrictions are in place which prevent horses from travelling in and out of the Cologne stables. Due to the unusual circumstances ruling her out of the race, a number of bookmakers - including Coral and William Hill - announced they would be refunding all ante-pots bets placed on her.
A total of 18 horses were left in the Arc following Tuesday's confirmation stage but the absence of Nathaniel and Danedream, along with Snow Fairy, could lead to a spate of supplementary entries on Thursday.
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