Deauville's G1 draws usual global raiders, including Asian powerhouse with a duo

Deauville's G1 draws usual global raiders, including Asian powerhouse with a duo

- Michael Lee

The €1 million (S$1.5 million) Group 1 Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques Le Marois (1,600m), one of France's most international features on its racing calendar, has spread its wings to even further afield at its 2025 renewal at Deauville on Aug 17 - Japan.

From the original three entries filed back in June, two have made the final cut of 11 runners facing the starter at 9.50pm Singapore time - Ascoli Piceno and Go To First.

Japan is not testing new Group 1 ground in France, as they did win the 104-year-old race once in 1998 with Taki Shuttle.

But it is better known for its frustrating chase of the elusive Holy Grail of French racing, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2,400m). Japan has come to Longchamp and seen its showpiece 22 times since 1969, but never conquered.

By despatching two worthy contenders to the seaside resort, the powerful racing nation will be hoping they can go one better than the four Arc runner-ups - El Condor Pasa (1999), Nakayama Festa (2010), Orfevre (2012 and 2013).

The most agonisingly close was Orfevre famously passing Solemia, only for the latter to unexpectedly get back in front where it mattered.

While Yasuda Kinen winner Jantar Mantar, the Japanese entry who pulled out, would have been the undisputed drawcard for the Land of the Rising Sun, the other two are not there for a holiday either.