Japan Cup: Orfevre seeking cup revenge

Orfevre was caught close home by Solemia in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Orfevre will be aiming to avenge his last-gasp Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe defeat as he clashes with winner Solemia in Sunday's Japan Cup in Tokyo...

The Japanese raider appeared to have the Longchamp feature won, only to hang across the track in the closing stages and let Solemia snatch the prize by a neck.

Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said: "In the very end of the Arc, his bad habit came out. After he crossed the finish line, he accelerated so much that the rider couldn't even shake hands with (Oliver) Peslier (Solemia's jockey)."

"To think that he still had so much left just makes it all the worse. During the trip from France he'd lost 20kg but he quickly regained that and from outer appearances looked back in shape."

"The main thing is that he can be able to run balanced and straight. If he can do that, we should be able to get results. I hope he can run a race fitting for a horse that represents Japan."

Solemia was something of a surprise winner of the Arc after previously finishing third in the Prix Vermeille.

Trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias told www.japanracing.jp: "I think that Orfevre is the strongest runner in this field."

"I had a very hard time beating him in the Arc and was fortunate to win. This time around, he has the advantage of running on home ground, while the filly has come a long way over and tired, which will make it even more difficult for her to win against him."

"Solemia is used to softer ground and has won on this type of going, but she has also run well on firm ground, too. More importantly, she will find the long home stretch to her liking."

Orfevre and Solemia are drawn in stalls 17 and 14 respectively in a race that features plenty of British interest with Melbourne Cup runners Jakkalberry, Red Cadeaux and Mount Athos heading to the Far East after their Australian exertions.

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