ARC DRAW BLOW FOR JAPAN

Big two hit with poor berths as nation seeks historic win

- By David Yates

Oisin Murphy and Byzantine Dream after winning in Saudi Arabia

JAPAN’S quest for a history-making first victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe suffered a double whammy at yesterday’s draw ceremony.

Byzantine Dream and Croix Du Nord, the country’s two principal hopes for Sunday’s running, will begin their challenges from stalls 15 and 17 respectively, while Alohi lani, the least-fancied of Japan’s trio of runners, drew stall four.