Deirdre connections insist they are still aiming to land Japan's first Arc

Star Japanese mare Deirdre remains on course for a tilt at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe despite losing her Nassau Stakes crown at Goodwood last month, with connections hopeful she can rediscover her best form ahead of her biggest test yet..

The talented six-year-old, who has been training in Newmarket throughout this season, made a satisfactory comeback when fifth behind Ghaiyyath and Enable in the Coral-Eclipse, but failed to fire when last of seven in the Nassau at Goodwood.

The team behind the Toji Morita-owned globetrotter are still eyeing a trip to Paris on October 4 and believe a physical issue led to her recent disappointing effort.

Deirdre: former Shuka Sho winner became the first Japanese-trained horse for 19 years to win a British Group 1 when scoring at Goodwood last yearCredit: Mike Hewitt

Assistant trainer Yuta Komiyama, who is with the popular performer in Newmarket, said: “She has always been fully committed to her races but wasn’t herself in the Nassau Stakes, which had never happened before.

“She had a back sore which maybe stopped her running at full power.”

Komiyama added: “She had a good rest after Goodwood and looks happy and relaxed now. She’s ready to prepare for her next run.”

It appears a crack at the Irish Champion Stakes is unlikely, with trainer Mitsuru Hashida intent on getting Deirdre back to peak form before her potential Longchamp bid, for which she can be backed at a general 50-1.

Deirdre: started her season in Saudi Arabia when just touched off at Riyadh in FebruaryCredit: Edward Whitaker

“We’re still aiming at the Arc,” he said. "We have to see how she recovers and we’ll decide where she races depending on her condition. We have little possibility to run before then [the Arc].”

He added: "We have been concerned with her changes, especially in shape after her run in Saudi Arabia in February, and it impacted her result in the Nassau Stakes.

“Now we’re trying our best to bring her mind and condition back again.”

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe betting

William Hill: 2 Love, 5-2 Enable, 7 Ghaiyyath, 10 Raabihah, 14 Stradivarius, Sottsass, 16 Serpentine (needs to be supplemented), 20 Japan, Magical, 25 Port Guillaume, Fancy Blue, Santiago (needs to be supplemented), 33 bar

Read more on this subject:

Nassau repeat? Deirdre's work suggests she's in 'no way inferior to last year'

Japan's defending champion Deirdre to face six in red-hot Nassau Stakes

Deirdre warms up for Enable clash as unexposed three-year-olds scorch the turf

Japanese star Deirdre training in Newmarket with Longchamp the main target

Japanese globetrotter Deirdre set for Middle East after winter in Newmarket

Deirdre dazzles in Sha Tin workout as Japanese string are a joy to behold

Track switch helps sway decision to run 'tough and capable' Deirdre in Champion

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