If at first you don't succeed…
For over four decades, Japan has been throwing darts
at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe board, and though
several have come agonisingly close, none has quite hit
the bull's-eye.
In 2013, however, hopes are higher than ever that they
can finally nail Europe's great autumn prize, and
transfer the first prize of over £2.2m into Yen.
Orfevre, one of three Japanese second places over the
years when narrowly defeated 12 months ago, and
their Derby winner Kizuna, represent a vast, and ever-
growing, racing industry.
Both won their warm-up races, on the Arc course at
Longchamp in September, amid scenes of wild
celebration rarely seen on the European Flat racing
circuit.
Thousands of supporters are again due at the Paris
track, so many in fact that Japanese-speaking guides are
in place, and signs will be written in Japanese as well as
French and English.
At home, theatres and cinemas are staging late-night
openings for fans to watch the runners in live action.
"The two horses are very, very strong, so we're really
excited." said Yuichi Goto, chief representative of the
Japan Racing Association, based in London,
"It's a very big ambition for Japanese racing
connections as well as for Japanese racing fans.
"We've had experience of three time finishing runner-
up in the Arc, but we really hope they can win it for us
at last.
"I think everybody thinks that the Arc is one of the
most important races in the world, and we're the
same, it's one of our big targets."
Goto anticipates Orfevre, favourite after winning the
Prix Foy trial race for the second year running, will not
repeat 'jinking' antics that cost him the 2012 race
having shot to the lead.
"Unfortunately sometimes Orfevre shows his bad habits
on the course," he said, "but I know the trainer
[Yasutoshi Ikee] has been trying to improve the horse
to make it better than last year.
"It's good that he ran straight when winning the Prix
Foy this year, so I believe he's been much improved."
For his part, Ikee added: "Orfevre is mentally a little bit
difficult to handle, but if he can keep that side of him
under control, he can win."
Belgian Christophe Soumillon, looking for his third Arc
win, again rides Orfevre, while Japanese jockey Yutaka
Take - who has never enjoyed much luck at Longchamp
- is on board Kizuna.
After a narrow Prix Niel win over Epsom Derby winner
Ruler Of The World, Kizuna's trainer Shozo Sasaki threw
down the gauntlet to potential rivals, declaring
afterwards: "He was about 80%, so we will work to get
the final 20% before the Arc."
Those closest to him believe the colt has "muscled up"
well and is in the same sort of shape as for his Derby
win.
Kizuna's level of support has grown not just because of
his record, but also his name, meaning 'bonds'.
That's made him something of a symbol of the bonds
between the Japanese people needed to get through the
trauma of the country's devastating 2011 earthquake.
The looming presence of Kizuna and Orfevre is helping
to ensure the 2013 Arc is seen as the most outstanding
since Dancing Brave saw off top-drawer opponents in
1986.
The glittering line-up includes unbeaten three-year-old
filly Treve, ridden by Thierry Jarnet in place of the
injured Frankie Dettori.
In all, three Derby winners will run, with Intello
(France) and Ruler Of The World (Epsom) also in the
field.
As a further illustration of strength in depth, Al Kazeem,
a three-time Group One winner and the big British
hope, bats way down the betting order.
Recent rain has helped his cause but a wide, "car park"
draw in the stalls (18/18) is a negative.
The determination of Japan may pay off this time.
However, Orfevre's occasionally suspect temperament
makes his odds seem ungenerous, and Kizuna looks the
value shout.
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