Is this challenge a bold or misguided decision?

This year, Japan's sole Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe representative is five-year-old mare Through Seven Seas. She is trained by Tomohito Ozeki in Miura. With the title of 'G3-winning mare', her credentials are obviously inferior to previous challengers. Nevertheless, we caught up with Akita Hiroaki, the representative of Carrot Farm, who is responsible for the decision to venture overseas.

What factors convinced you to first make the entry when she had yet to achieve a G1 win?

"The staff who have been handling Through Seven Seas have always held her in a very high opinion. However, when we received a proposal from the team at the time, in March, after winning the Nakayama Himba Stakes, suggesting we at least make the initial entry in the Arc. I was genuinely surprised. To determine where she should go, we set a condition for her next race, the Takarazuka Kinen. We decided that if she can compete well against 'Equinox' we would consider again. As you know, the result was second place. I was a clear indication of her current form, and there was a strong demand from the public. I also felt that she was a horse with the qualities and potential to take on the challenge."

She ran a fantastic race in the Takarazuka Kinen, which led to further discussions. After the race, it took her some time to recover, but she was well looked after during her time off and she returned in condition which was possible to take on such a journey. We had another look at the race and decided to try for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

At five-years-old, has she really matured?

"Until the age of four, she had a certain mental fragility and maybe even naivety, but that dissipated, and she became more stable. Her performance in this years Nakayama Himba Stakes was particularly impressive. She launched a strong run from the third corner and maintained that powerful stride all the way to the finish line. Seeing such a performance made me believe that a horse with that kind of ability could adapt well to European racing."

Was her weight a factor in your decision?

"Two or three years ago, there was a column somewhere in which overseas commentator Mr Goda commented 'Horses weighing over 490kg have not won the Arc.' We also believed that European tracks favoured stronger horses. However, on those tracks, the heavier the horse, the more likely its legs would sink into the ground. Through Seven Seas weighs in the 440kg range. So, in that regard, we feel she is suitable for European track."

Her pedigree would also suggest her suitability?

"Progeny of Stay Gold are famous for their unwavering determination. Horses with his blood tend to maintain their fighting spirit no matter where they race. Above all, the fact that Nakayama Festa, from the same Stay Gold lineage, came so close to winning in 2010, finishing second, was a strong incentive for this venture. Her intriguing pedigree suggests she can perform well even on challenging tracks."

How can she overcome the difference in tracks?

"About a month ago, I contacted Mr. Ninomiya (a former trainer). He also mentioned that it's not all about having a strong horse; you also need the right racing style to adapt to the particular track. It's somewhat like comparing a flat track runner to a hurdler in human terms. He emphasized that one needs to get accustomed to the differences. He also mentioned that El Condor Pasa (second place in 1999) had to change his running style when he raced abroad, compared to when he ran in Japan."

"A few years ago, a German horse (Torquator Tasso) won on a heavy track. One of the characteristics of TT was he lifts his hind legs higher. In such track conditions, it seems that this running style might be more advantageous. So, with Through Seven Seas, we have been working on her lifting her hind hooves higher than her usual style. Nevertheless, if the track becomes heavy on race day, it will still pose a challenge. Ideally, we hope for a track no worse than having 'soft' in the description."

Every year, the track seems to deteriorate on race day?

"This year, it has been unusual weather worldwide, even in France temperatures are seven to eight degrees higher than usual. Even when we look at the prep races, the times are not slow. It's something only the skies know, but we hope for favourable track conditions."

You were present to see Sirius Symboli run in 1986 Arc!

"When the horses were turning the fourth corner, Sirius Symboli was only on the third corner. It was a devastating loss for Japan' Derby winner, and at that time, I felt disheartened. It made me realize the considerable gap between Japan and the rest of the world. I always held on to the dream of creating a horse that could win on this grand stage someday."

Finally, what are your plans after the Arc?

"To achieve the best possible result, we are giving our all in the Prix de l 'Arc de Triomphe. As for what comes after, we will assess the horse's condition after the race and make decisions accordingly. Our primary goal is to win! We are grateful of all the fan's support."

Hiroaki Akita's profile

He was born in 1948 in Hokkaido prefecture, Japan. He joined the Shadai Farm in 1980 as a veterinarian and later became a director of Northern Farm in 1993. In 2013, he assumed the role of advisor in Northern Farm. From 2015, he served as a director of Carrot Club Co., Ltd. Finally, he became the president of Carrot Club in 2018.