Lemaire confident as Arc hope Makahiki gears up for return

Makahiki is put through his paces by Christophe Lemaire on Wednesday

Christophe Lemaire declared himself "very happy" after partnering Japan's latest Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe challengerMakahiki in a gallop over a mile and one furlong of Chantilly's straight Piste des Reservoirs on Wednesday morning.

A winner of four of his five races - including the Japanese Derby on his most recent start at the end of May - Makahiki arrived in France last month and has been slowly gearing up to his reappearance in the Prix Niel on Sunday.

Lemaire secured the services of four-time Arc winner Thierry Jarnet to ride a lead horse for the son of Deep Impact, and was not overly hard on Makahiki as he eased alongside his work companion.

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Scott BurtonFrance correspondent

Published on 7 September 2016inNews

Last updated 13:56, 7 September 2016

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