Chilled-out Derby winner at the centre of Japan's sworn quest

It is no surprise some of the most successful people in racing and breeding exhibit a natural calmness around horses. But can a particularly laid-back thoroughbred have a similar effect on his human allies?

It is a question that has come to mind more than once since Makahiki made landfall in Chantilly at the end of August. Now with less than a week to go before the greatest test of both his and his entourage's career, both horse and humans are the epitome of relaxed ease, as Makahiki draws lazy circles in the early morning forest light.

Ten minutes ago this son of Japan's greatest ever racehorse, Deep Impact, was blazing along Les Aigles under big-race jockey Christophe Lemaire.