Can Japan Break Their Longchamp Curse in 2025? Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Entries
The 2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating renewals in recent memory, not least due to the formidable Japanese challenge that headlines this year’s international field. With three major contenders making the journey from Japan, the race at Longchamp promises both the possibility of history and a clash of global equine talent.
The Japanese Challenge: Chasing Arc Glory
As always, Japanese racing fans will be watching anxiously, hoping that this will finally be the year a Japanese-trained horse claims Europe’s greatest prize.
The Arc has long eluded Japan, despite several near misses, but the trio set to line up in Paris—Croix Du Nord, Alohi Alii, and Byzantine Dream—may present the strongest challenge yet.
Croix Du Nord stands out for his consistency and class, having recently secured victory over French rival Daryz in the Prix du Prince d'Orange. Trained by Takashi Saito, Croix Du Nord arrives in Paris boasting Group 1 credentials, tactical versatility, and a proven ability to handle European conditions. Many experts believe he is the pick of the Japanese contingent and could be primed for a historic breakthrough.
The talented Byzantine Dream, from the Tomoyasu Sakaguchi stable, is also garnering confidence following a season highlighted by strong showings at the highest level. With Oisin Murphy booked to ride, Japanese hopes are riding high on this colt’s capacity to stay the Longchamp distance and finish with a flourish. Byzantine Dream is seen as a real wildcard who could upset the established order if everything falls into place on race day.
Completing the Japanese trio is Alohi Alii, trained by Hiroyasi Tanaka. Alohi Alii comes to France after impressing in domestic company and is expected to relish the likely good-to-soft conditions at Longchamp. While not quite as fancied as his stablemates, he remains a live outsider, capable of causing a stir if the race unfolds in his favour.
Japan’s ambition for Arc victory goes far beyond national honour—it is part of the country’s broader effort to cement international status at the highest level.
Every year, the Arc remains the “white whale” for Japanese connections, and this year’s challenge appears more focused and well-prepared than ever.
Arc Odds & Runners
| No | Horse | Odds | Age | Weight | Jockey | Trainer | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daryz | 3/1 | ||||||
| Maltese Cross | 6/1 | ||||||
| Kalpana | 7/1 | ||||||
| Item | 12/1 | ||||||
| Diamond Necklace | 14/1 | ||||||
| Estrange | 14/1 | ||||||
| Constitution River | 14/1 | ||||||
| Thundering On | 14/1 | ||||||
| Benvenuto Cellini | 16/1 | ||||||
| Bay City Roller | 16/1 | ||||||
| Minnie Hauk | 20/1 | ||||||
| Aventure | 20/1 | ||||||
| Almaqam | 20/1 | ||||||
| Sparan Nua | 20/1 | ||||||
| Varandir | 25/1 | ||||||
| Cualificar | 33/1 | ||||||
| Gethin | 33/1 | ||||||
| Byzantine Dream | 33/1 | ||||||
| Admire Terra | 33/1 | ||||||
| Meisho Tabaru | 33/1 | ||||||
| Christmas Day | 33/1 | ||||||
| Sunly | 33/1 | ||||||
| Pierre Bonnard | 40/1 | ||||||
| Sosie | 50/1 | ||||||
| Forever Young | 50/1 | ||||||
| Raaheeb | 50/1 | ||||||
| Daryzan | 50/1 | ||||||
| Montreal | 50/1 | ||||||
| Jan Brueghel | 66/1 | ||||||
| Leffard | 66/1 | ||||||
| Alohi Alii | 66/1 | ||||||
| Juryoku Pierrot | 66/1 | ||||||
| Hawk Mountain | 66/1 | ||||||
| Arrow Eagle | 66/1 | ||||||
| Legacy Link | 66/1 | ||||||
| James J Braddock | 80/1 | ||||||
| Consent | 100/1 | ||||||
| Almeric | 100/1 | ||||||
| Overnight | 100/1 | ||||||
| Shin Emperor | 100/1 |
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The Field: French and Global Talents
While the Japanese challenge inevitably draws headlines, the home team and other international runners will not surrender the prize easily. The French have a strong hand, including top fancies like Aventure, trained by Christophe Ferland, who comes into the race as the market leader, and Kalpana, who previously topped the betting before being supplanted by Aventure.
Aventure goes into the race bigger and stronger than ever before, aiming to go one better after last year’s disappointing near-miss. Ferland’s filly appears to have matured physically, suggesting she could be set for a career-best performance at Longchamp. Her ability to handle any ground makes her an outstanding candidate, with punters and connections alike brimming with confidence.
Another major threat among the fillies is Kalpana, whose turn of foot and tactical nous make her a true contender. The competition among fillies and mares is particularly fierce this year, continuing a trend that has seen five fillies win the Arc in the last decade. If conditions favour speed and stamina, Kalpana could easily reclaim the top spot in the market ahead of Sunday’s feature.
Andre Fabre, always a leading figure in the Arc narrative, will rely on Sosie and Cualificar as he chases a record-extending ninth win in the race. Though his highly-rated Almaqam was withdrawn, these two offer compelling form and experience, with Sosie remaining under close watch from French fans.
Other notable contenders include Daryz (Francis Graffard), whose recent gallop alongside King George winner Calandagan delighted connections, and Giavellotto (Marco Botti), who will be partnered by Andrea Atzeni following his return to European racing. These established horses offer depth to the field, each with solid credentials in major Group 1 contests and the ability to deliver a surprise if conditions break their way.
Aidan O'Brien's Los Angeles, a Derby winner earlier this season, leads the Irish contingent. While perhaps not among the immediate favourites, O'Brien's record at Longchamp means any runner in his colours demands respect. British interest centres on Kalpana, representing Andrew Balding and aiming to return the Arc trophy to Newmarket after a long absence.
Ground Conditions and Last-Minute Drama
The going at Longchamp is a perennial talking point. After a notably dry spell, the ground has shifted from ‘very soft’ to ‘souple’, edging towards good-to-soft by British and Irish standards.
Odds makers and trainers alike are monitoring the penetrometer readings, with only minimal rain forecast. Conditions may favour horses with tactical speed but will not be so demanding as to unduly hinder international runners used to firmer racing surfaces.
Intrigue remains over the supplementary stage, with triple Group 1 winner Minnie Hauk still needing to be added to the field by Wednesday. Her participation could change the complexion of betting, especially among the fillies, but for now, all eyes are on the 17 remaining entries and the anticipated showdown between Japanese raiders and home favourites.
Conclusion: An Open Contest Beckons
With the withdrawal of several notable horses after the first forfeit stage, such as Almaqam and Sevenna’s Knight, the focus sharpens on those left standing, creating one of the most open Arcs in recent years.
The field features both seasoned campaigners and rising stars, but it is the Japanese challenge that brings extra international spice, feeding the hope that this may finally be their year.
Whether the Arc crown will remain in France, travel to Ireland or Britain, or make its long-anticipated journey to Japan, Sunday’s race at Longchamp will be filled with anticipation and tension.
The weight of Japanese expectations, superb fillies seeking history, and a diverse cast of proven talent ensure the 2025 Arc is not to be missed.
