Japan sets its sights once again on its ultimate obsession in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra
Meisho Tabaru, winner of the Takarazuka Kinen and to be ridden by Yutaka Take, and Admire Terra, with Cristian Demuro in the saddle, stood among the 16 horses confirmed for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1)
PARIS, France (Special for Turf Diario).— Japan has spent over half a century chasing a victory that has turned into a true obsession, and this Sunday they will try once again with a dual assault. Meisho Tabaru (Gold Ship) and Admire Terra (Rey de Oro) were among the 16 confirmed for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), carrying the hope of finally achieving what so many legends from their country sought in vain since the first Japanese participation in 1969.
It will be no easy task. Standing in their path will be Daryz (Sea the Stars), a ParisLongchamp specialist and the defending champion, while among the main British challengers are Maltese Cross (Sea the Stars), conditioned by William Haggas, and Kalpana (Study of Man), representing Andrew Balding.
Yet few nations share such a peculiar relationship with the Arc as Japan. The most painful memory remains that of Orfevre (Stay Gold), who in 2012 appeared to have the race sealed before being caught late to finish second. He returned twelve months later only to occupy the exact same spot, that time behind the extraordinary Treve (Zamindar).
The quest continues, and Meisho Tabaru now emerges as one of those tasked with bringing it to an end.
Yutaka Take, for the unfulfilled dream Mamoru Ishibashi’s charge arrives directly off a victory in the Takarazuka Kinen (G1), without any prep race in Europe.
It is by no means an improvised decision. “Meisho Tabaru has often had plenty of time between his races,” explained Ishibashi. “We considered running in a prep, but we felt there was no issue in going straight to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after the Takarazuka Kinen.”
The choice will allow the 5-year-old to arrive fresh at Longchamp. In the irons will be none other than Yutaka Take, the most decorated jockey in Japanese history and another figure who spent years fruitlessly chasing an Arc victory.
For Take, conquering Longchamp would fill one of the few remaining gaps in an extraordinary career.
Tomomichi alters the formula The second Japanese hope rests with Admire Terra, who carries a different story behind him. For Yasuo Tomomichi, this marks his third attempt in the Arc, following two previous experiences that fell well short of expectations.
In 2016, he brought Makahiki (Deep Impact), who finished fourteenth, while six years later Do Deuce (Heart's Cry) crossed the line nineteenth.
Those results provided hard-learned lessons, and Tomomichi decided to use them to completely overhaul his strategy. “This year we actively looked for a horse that could better adapt to Longchamp,” he explained. “Among those we had available, Admire Terra struck us as the ideal candidate.”
The choice was not dictated solely by raw talent.
“In my first two attempts, I came with horses that were highly regarded in Japan. But this time Admire Terra possesses more experience. What matters is his power, his foundation, and above all, his ability to adapt.”
The preparation pattern also changed. Both Makahiki and Do Deuce had taken part in French preps prior to tackling the Arc. Tomomichi ultimately concluded that approach could prove counterproductive.
“Those experiences made me realize how difficult it is to come to France, run in a prep, and then show up for the Arcin peak condition.”
This time, Admire Terra completed the vast majority of his preparation back home in Japan, spending only the final three weeks in France.
He will also enjoy a significant advantage over his traveling companion: his jockey knows precisely what it takes to win the race.
Cristian Demuro, a two-time Arc winner, will be in the saddle.
A different approach for Japan Both contingents have thus chosen similar paths on a fundamental point: neither runner will contest a French prep race immediately before the Arc.
Meisho Tabaru enters directly off the Takarazuka Kinen by Ishibashi’s decree, while Tomomichi deliberately revised the method of his past visits, keeping Admire Terra in Japan for most of his build-up.
All of it aims to unlock a puzzle that has defied them for decades.
“The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a race I dream about,” admitted Tomomichi. “No Japanese horse has ever managed to win it. It is a very special race for everyone in Japan. If I could become the first Japanese trainer to achieve it, it would be a dream come true.”
Since 1969, Japan has accumulated attempts, great champions, and unforgettable near-misses. Orfevre came agonizingly close to ending the drought, but fell short as well.
Now responsibility falls onto Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra, two horses prepared through contrasting strategies but united by a single goal: to finally deliver the victory Japanese racing has pursued in Paris for over half a century.
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