Is this finally the year? The lowdown on Japan’s main Arc contenders

Coral are offering 3-1 about Japan celebrating a first success in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on October 5, and the country has two of the top five in the ante-post market. Here we look at the credentials of Japan’s contenders for the big race

The wait goes on

A first Japanese victory in the Arc remains elusive despite some memorable near-misses, including El Condor Pasa, second in 1999 to Montjeu, 2006 third Deep Impact, who was subsequently disqualified for a banned substance, and 2010 runner-up Nakayama Festa.

Orfevre was reeled in late by Solemia in 2012 and filled the same spot behind Treve the following year.

Orfevre (left): a dual runner-up in the ArcCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

In the last two years, Through Seven Seas finished fourth behind Ace Impact, but Shin Emperor could manage only 12th in last year’s running won by Bluestocking.

This year’s contenders

Croix Du Nord

Odds: 10-1, general

The profile: Croix Du Nord has two Grade 1 victories to his name, having won the Hopeful Stakes as a juvenile in Japan and the Japanese Derby this summer. He was successful in his prep run for the Arc in the Prix du Prince d’Orange at Longchamp on Sunday, although he beat Daryz, who finished last in the Juddmonte International at York on his previous start, by only a short head.

Croix Du Nord (orange cap): won the Japanese Derby this yearCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

Key quote: Takashi Saito, trainer, after Prix du Prince d'Orange win: "He was in good condition for the race but not 100 per cent, so having a race under his belt should bring him on a lot. He won, but only just, and will need to take a step forward between now and the Arc."

The analyst view: Improvement will be needed on his recent success but his trainer, as well as rider Yuichi Kitamura, were adamant he will come on for his first start in 105 days. He was crucially able to experience softer ground for the first time at Longchamp, and while many would have expected a more impressive performance, he at least proved he can handle ease underfoot. The Arc, in which he will be fully tuned up, will tell us if he is truly equally effective on such a surface if soft ground once again prevails.
Jack Haynes

Croix Du Nord15:00 Longchamp

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Jky: Tnr: Takashi Saito

Byzantine Dream

Odds: 12-1, bet365

The profile: Oisin Murphy’s Arc mount prepared for the big race by beating three-time Group 1 winner Sosie in the Prix Foy, with the third Almaqam and fourth Los Angeles adding further depth to the form. The four-year-old won the valuable Red Sea Turf Handicap in Saudi Arabia and finished second in the Tenno Sho (Spring) before winning on his return at Longchamp. His ability to handle proper soft ground is an unknown.

Oisin Murphy: rides Byzantine Dream in the ArcCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Key quote: Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, trainer, after Prix Foy win: “There's more to come and I expect him to be at his best for the Arc. We've left plenty to work on as this was only his prep race. The state of the ground is something we'll have to think about. There's definitely a question mark, but the priority is to prepare the horse well between now and the Arc and we'll worry about the ground nearer the time."

The analyst view: Byzantine Dream had no problem with the drop back in trip in the Prix Foy and deserved plenty of credit on his European debut, especially in light of the quick finishing splits. While he'll have to step up again if he's to follow up in the Arc (cut to 12-1 from 25 by Paddy Power), there should be plenty of options for him on the global circuit.
Richard Young

Byzantine Dream15:00 Longchamp

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Jky: Tnr: Tomoyasu Sakaguchi

Alohi Alii

Odds: 25-1, general

The profile: Alohi Alii was an unconsidered 100-1 shot for the Arc before his odds were drastically cut to 25-1 after his convincing win in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville. The form has since been boosted by the third Cualificar, who won the Prix Niel on his next start. Christophe Lemaire’s mount will need to be sharper from the stalls to gain a prominent position in the hustle and bustle of the Arc.

Alohi Alii warms down after cantering at Longchamp on MondayCredit: Scott Burton (racingpost.com/photos)

Key quote: Hiroyasu Tanaka, trainer, after gallop at Longchamp on Monday: "It was good for him to gain experience of the softer ground. One of the reasons we brought him to France is we think he will handle even softer ground than this. With age he has become mentally more mature and physically stronger so I think he will be able to handle it if it comes up deeper."

The analyst view: Having his first start since April, Alohi Alii waited in front before easing away for a smooth success in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano, his rider not needing to get after him at all. He's set to stay in France and will be trained for the Arc, and on this showing he will not be out of place.
Raceform

Alohi Alii15:00 Longchamp

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Jky: Tnr: Hiroyasu Tanaka

Another string to the bow?

Shin Emperor did not run up to market expectations in the Irish Champion Stakes on Saturday when only sixth at odds of 4-1, but he could still run in the Arc next month.

The brother to 2020 Arc winner Sottsass found the ground too testing in the Arc last year and would need quick conditions to be at his best. 

Shin Emperor was set to undergo tests on Monday following his below-par display at Leopardstown before connections make a plan for his next outing. He is a general 40-1 chance.

Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Longchamp, October 5
Coral: 4 Aventure, 9-2 Minnie Hauk, 8 Croix Du Nord, 10 Byzantine Dream, Sosie, 14 Alohi Alii, Kalpana, 16 Cualificar, Gezora, 20 bar. 

Read more . . .

Can Kalpana still win the Arc? 

'Having a race under his belt should bring him on a lot' - Japan's Croix Du Nord cut to 8-1 for Arc after cosy trial success 

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