Byzantine Dream boosts Japanese hopes of elusive Arc win by beating major European rivals in Prix Foy

Cualificar and William Buick escaped from what looked a hopeless position on the rail to run down Bay City Roller and record an impressive success in the Prix Niel, punching the colt's ticket for what looks a wide-open Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

"That was what I was expecting," said trainer Andre Fabre after welcoming back his 13th winner of the Niel. "Not the circumstances of the race but, with the extra two furlongs and the softer ground, it's what I was expecting."

Referring to an unusual three-step preparation for the Arc which began with a third-placed effort behind Alohi Alii in the Prix Guillaume d'Ornano, Fabre added: "He's a big horse and he became quite heavy this summer, which is why I ran him at Deauville."

Buick was back on board for the first time since steering the Godolphin homebred into second place in the Prix du Jockey Club, and was delighted with every aspect of the display.

"It was a very good performance," said Buick. "He was in a pocket, I've had to come back to come out and he basically gave everything else first run.

"He was in a lovely rhythm throughout the race, and I was also impressed with him in the Prix du Jockey Club when he wasn't beaten far. He's on the improve and I was delighted to ride him today."

On his Arc credentials, Buick added: "I think Monsieur Fabre was happy with what he saw there and, certainly from what I felt, with the horse winning the way he did, he's probably improving at the right time of the year. I think it's an obvious step."

Dream on for Japan

Byzantine Dream was cut into no bigger than 12-1 (from 50) for next month's Arc after getting the better of talented European middle-distance horses including Sosie, Almaqam and Los Angeles in the Prix Foy.

In the first of three established Arc trials on Longchamp's card, the Japanese raider put down a useful marker when getting up in the final furlong under Oisin Murphy.

Oisin Murphy returns aboard Byzantine Dream after victory in the Prix Foy

Oisin Murphy on Byzantine Dream after victory in the Prix FoyCredit: Racing Post/ Burton

Trained by Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, Byzantine Dream has form over further, including when winning the valuable Red Sea Handicap under Murphy on the Saudi Cup undercard in February.

The winning jockey said said: "He relaxed very well in Saudi and I felt in the Tenno Sho last time he never relaxed behind Redentor. He was always too keen and did well to finish second.

"Today he got into a good rhythm and beat a good field. He'll need this ground, or even faster would be better on the big day to be at his best."

Byzantine Dream provided a fifth victory in the Foy for Japanese-trained horses following El Condor Pasa in 1999, Orfevre in 2012 and 2013 – all three victories coming ahead of a second-placed effort in the Arc – and Deep Bond in 2021.

Sakaguchi said: "My first impression is that the horse was in great shape and the jockey rode a very good race. It's a wonderful victory."

The four-year-old son of Epiphaneia was last seen on track at the beginning of May and Sakaguchi insisted his stable star was not at 100 per cent for his trial.

"There's more to come and I expect him to be at his best for the Arc," said Sakaguchi. "We've left plenty to work on as today was only his prep race.

"I think 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."

Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Longchamp, October 5)
Coral: 9-2 Aventure, Minnie Hauk, 8 Croix Du Nord, 10 Byzantine Dream, Sosie, 12 Kalpana, 14 Alohi Alii, 16 Gezora, 20 Cualificar, Estrange, Quisisana, 25 bar.

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