Is 'maturing' Arc favourite Titleholder the one to end Japan's hoodoo?

Titleholder is the new Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe favourite and as short as 5-1 with several firms following the recent news about Desert Crown’s unlikely participation. The big Japanese hope has leading claims and here is the lowdown on his profile . . .

What has he achieved?

Last year’s Japanese St Leger winner has taken his form to the next level in 2022, winning the Tenno Sho Spring in May before following up in the Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin the following month.

He became the first horse since the legendary Deep Impact in 2006 to complete the top-level double in the same season.

The Toru Kurita-trained Titleholder recorded a career-best Racing Post Rating of 125 last time. Among the top five market principals, only Torquator Tasso has bettered that figure, registering 126 when winning the Arc last year.

How close have Japan gone?

Another year has passed and we are still writing about Japan’s long wait for an Arc winner, with Chrono Genesis faring best of the two runners last year in seventh.

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

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

What did they say?

Trainer Toru Kurita after the Takarazuka Kinen win
"I'd been told by the owner the colt will go to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe if he won here, so we're planning to send him straight to France."

Kazuo Yokoyama celebrates another top-level win on TitleholderCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

Jockey Kazuo Yokoyama after the Takarazuka Kinen win
"This was my fourth ride on Titleholder and I knew how the colt could run in a good rhythm. The pace was fast but I wasn't concerned because he still had enough power left in the straight. He's still in the process of maturing and he'll get better with time."

Tipster view

Titleholder has looked good winning his last two starts in Grade 1 company in Japan, but some improvement might still be needed to trouble the likes of Torquator Tasso, who did not lose much in defeat when second in the King George recently.
Graeme Rodway

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, October 2
William Hill: 5 Titleholder, 7 Alpinista, Torquator Tasso, 12 Do Deuce, Vadeni, 14 Pyledriver, 16 bar

Read more on Titleholder . . .

Titleholder shatters course record in Takarazuka Kinen

Family ties to the fore as Titleholder earns Arc price cut after Tenno Sho romp

Watch: Titleholder grabs St Leger spoils with sublime front-running success

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