Japanese trainers are already plotting to secure an elusive Japanese victory in the 2017 G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in nine months time. Both horse Of The Year Kitasan Black (Jpn) (Black tide {Jpn}) and Satono Diamond (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) will have their 2017 campaigns geared towards culminating in the French race. For Kitasan Black this will mean skipping a trip to Dubai in March for the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in favour of domestic targets in Japan as a build up for the Arc. Speaking to the Racing Post his trainer Hisashi Shimizu said, “I want the Japanese fans to see him racing in Japan. Yes, his target would be the Arc in the fall but before that, we have to be at the top of Japan in this spring.” G1 Japan Cup winner Kitasan Black was beaten last time out by Satono Diamond in the G1 Arima Kinen and his trainer Yasutoshi Ikee revealed his long held belief over Satono Diamond's Arc prospects. “We have decided that the goal of his racing career was the winning of the Arc de Triomphe, before his debut,” said Satomi.
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