Japanese Derby winner Croix du Nord is set to make a bid for the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, becoming the fourth Tokyo Yushun victor to compete in the same year. Trained by Takashi Saito and owned by Sunday Racing, Croix du Nord’s journey to Longchamp includes a lead-up race in the G3 Prix du Prince d’Orange.
The announcement by Sunday Racing confirmed that Yuichi Kitamura will continue as the jockey for Croix du Nord in the upcoming challenge. Kitamura has been the rider for the colt in all previous races, maintaining a strong partnership.
Croix du Nord’s scheduled appearance in the Prix du Prince d’Orange, a 2000-meter race at Longchamp on September 14, serves as a strategic move before the main event. The race, known for its historical significance as an Arc trial, has seen past winners progress to claim victory at the highest level.
While the French calendar adjustments have impacted the traditional Arc trials, Croix du Nord remains on course for his debut at Longchamp. The colt will follow in the footsteps of his trainer Saito, who had a previous Arc runner in Chrono Genesis, finishing seventh in 2021.
As the sole Japanese contender confirmed for the Arc, Croix du Nord represents a nation eager to conquer the elusive Longchamp challenge. Japan’s entries for the race also include notable contenders like Regaleira, Redentor, and Byzantine Dream, each bringing their own credentials to the international stage.
Despite the withdrawal of Regaleira from the Arc lineup, Sunday Racing prepares to send Ascoli Piceno to France for the G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville. This move underscores the team’s commitment to showcasing Japanese talent on the global racing scene.
Redentor, another prominent Japanese runner, is poised for the G1 Juddmonte International at York, setting sights on a potential Japan Cup campaign. With a diverse array of entries, Japan’s presence in international racing continues to evolve, drawing attention to the country’s growing influence.
Andrew Hawkins, the Deputy Editor of Idol Horse, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the racing world. His coverage of the upcoming Arc challenge and Japanese contenders offers a unique perspective on the intersection of global racing talent.
As the countdown to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe begins, the anticipation builds for Croix du Nord and his fellow Japanese competitors. Their quest for success at Longchamp reflects the international nature of horse racing, where boundaries are transcended in pursuit of glory on the world stage.
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