Several of Japan's G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe challengers galloped on Wednesday morning, led by Classic winner and three-time Group 1 victor Titleholder (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}). Successful in the G1 Japanese St Leger back in October of 2021, the 4-year-old is riding a three-race winning streak, having taken the G2 Nikkei Sho, G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) and G1 Takarazuka Kinen in March, May and June this term, respectively. Carrying the silks of Hiroshi Yamada, the son of five-time winner Mowen (GB) (Motivator {GB}) has not raced since.
“We gave him a grass gallop this morning,” said trainer Toru Kurita. “There were two horses in front of him and he was waiting behind and he adapted himself very well to the ground.
“They went approximately a mile and a quarter, went slowly at the beginning and then quickened in the final four furlongs. The horse came close to joining the other ones in front. It was a good workout.
“It is very difficult to put a number on it [how much he can improve], but I can feel that the horse is getting better–he is improving and coming right for the race.”
Another contender from the Land of the Rising Sun is this year's G1 Japanese Derby hero Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}). He has already tested the waters at group level in France and was fourth in the G2 Prix Niel on Sept. 11.
“In the beginning of the race three weeks ago he felt fine, but then I also felt that he was tired when we came to the final furlong,” said Japanese riding legend Yutaka Take.
“He hadn't run in quite some time but this morning [Wednesday], I didn't ride him when he worked but I saw him, and I saw that he moved really well and that he had improved since that last run in Longchamp.
“I've had the opportunity to ride very good horses in the race and Do Deuce is going to be one of them. He's only three and he is still improving.
“To win the Arc has always been a dream and it's always been an objective of mine. While I'm still riding it remains very high on my agenda in my career.”
Another Japanese Arc contender out for a spin on Wednesday was Stay Foolish (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}), who has already proved himself twice against overseas competition when taking the G3 Red Sea Turf H. on the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup undercard in February, and again in Dubai, when winning the G2 Dubai Gold Cup on Mar. 26. Returned to his native land, the 7-year-old was unplaced in Titleholder's Takarazuka Kinen in June but was a close second in the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville on Aug. 28.
“Stay Foolish has a different profile compared to the horses that have run the Classic races like Do Deuce, who has run in the Derby, and Titleholder, who has run in the Group 1s in Japan,” Christophe Lemaire explained.
“He's a horse who has improved a lot with age, especially over the longer trips. He's maybe not as strong as a Derby winner but he has got a lot of experience.
“It was a very good workout this morning on ground that I would call good to soft, I was very happy with the way he cantered and galloped.
“In fact, he actually gave me the feeling I had before the run in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was important for me to connect with the horse and feel that's switched on to see how he moves and it was perfect.”
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