Japanese star Makahiki faces key rehearsal for big race

The absence of France’s leading Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hope hope La Cressonniere and fields of five, six and four runners mean that Japanese Derby winner Makahiki will be the key horse on show at the Arc Trials on Sunday afternoon.

The son of Deep Impact makes his European debut in the Qatar Prix Niel (2.00) and holds an 11lb advantage on Racing Post Ratings over the next best of his four rivals.

“It is a race he needs to win even though it is not the main objective,” said trainer Yasuo Tomomichi. “But the main reason for running is that it will be his first race in France and he needs to have that experience under his belt.”