Japanese duo going for Arc gold against Daryz and company

There will be dual Japanese representation in this year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, as Admire Terra and Meisho Tabaru attempt to dethrone Daryz and give their country a much sought-after victory in the European middle-distance championship.

The two raiders from the Far East featured among 16 declarations for Sunday’s marquee event headed by Francis-Henri Graffard’s ParisLongchamp specialist and defending champion Daryz and also including crack British-trained challengers Maltese Cross (William Haggas) and Kalpana (Andrew Balding).

Many will remember Orfevre’s agonising near-miss for Japan in 2012 before finishing second again when bumping into Treve in 2013. Leading the quest to end a losing run dating back to 1969 is Takarazuka Kinen hero Meisho Tabaru, who will be ridden by his nation’s most decorated jockey, Yutaka Take.

“Meisho Tabaru has often had a lot of time between his races,” said trainer Mamoru Ishibashi, who sends the five-year-old to France fresh.

“We considered running in a prep race, but we felt there was no problem with going directly to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after the Takarazuka Kinen.”

He will be joined in the race by Admire Terra, who bids to make it third-time lucky for trainer Yasuo Tomomichi who has previously saddled Makahiki to finish 14th in 2016 and Do Deuce who was 19th in 2022.

“This year we really looked for a horse who might be better able to adapt to Longchamp,” said Tomomichi, who has booked dual Arc winner Cristian Demuro for steering duties. “Among the horses we had available, Admire Terra seemed to us to be the best candidate.

“On my first two attempts in the Arc, I came with horses who were very highly regarded in Japan. But this time, Admire Terra has more experience. What matters is his power, his experience and, above all, his ability to adapt.”

He went on: “Previously the horses had run in a prep race in France. Those experiences made me realise that it was quite difficult to come to France, run in a prep race and then prepare for the Arc in good conditions.

“This time we have changed the way we do things. Admire Terra continued his preparation in Japan before spending his final three weeks in France.

“The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a race I dream about. No Japanese horse has ever won it. It is a very special race for all Japanese people. If I could become the first Japanese trainer to win it, it would be a dream come true.”

Daryz is one of four French challengers alongside Graffard-trained stablemate and Prix Niel winner Varandir, Alicja Karkosa’s Chestnut Rocket and Arrow Eagle who aims to send Jean-Claude Rouget into retirement on a high.

Aidan O’Brien will saddle a three-strong team of Prix de Diane heroine Diamond Necklace, Irish Derby champion Benvenuto Cellini and last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk, while his son Joseph will rely on Oaks winner Thundering On after she returned to winning ways at the Curragh recently.

John and Thady Gosden’s Friendly Soul has the chance to enhance her fine course record after the Prix Vermeille winner was added into the race for free on Wednesday, while others from Britain are George Scott’s Bay City Roller and Roger Varian’s Saddadd, a Group One winner in Baden-Baden last month.

Completing the field is German contender Bright Light, third to Saddadd in the Grosser Preis von Baden most recently.