This year, Japan's Through Seven Seas will participate in the pinnacle of European racing. Despite not having a G1 title on her record, the five-year-old mare put in a fine performance behind Equinox in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen. Ahead of her Longchamp engagement, trainer Tomohito Ozeki, gives insight on his stable star.

Could you explain the journey that has led you to have a runner in the Arc?

"After winning the Nakayama-Himba Stakes, we discussed her next race. We decided on the Victoria Mile or the Takarazuka Kinen. We ultimately ran her in the Takarazuka Kinen after considering her physical condition, rules, and the interval between races. However, during this process, we also discussed the possibility of entering the Arc de Triomphe. We concluded that if we get a decent result then a trip to France was feasible and we would discuss again at a later time.

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.

Tomohito toured France with Stellar Wind in 2013, recording a fifth placed finish in the Prix Foy, and seventh in the Prix Dollar. Exactly 10 years have passed since then.

Orfevre was in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at that time. Kizuna did his best and came home in fourth. At that time, I felt like we were finally putting up a formidable challenge to the European horses. Watching the race, it made me want to compete and I realized it a physically and mentally tough horse that prevails."

What factors were considered in the decision to run in France?

Northern Farm has dominated racing in JRA over the past ten years. Mr Kimiya (Director of Northern Farm Ten-ei) told us that "Even though we have taken tough colts who have already achieved significant results in Japan, we are yet to win the Arc. Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is often contested by fillies that are not so physically imposing. Of course, the fillies have to be very capable, but with that in mind, it was suggested that we should try with her."

What are the chances of Through Seven Seas?

"Horses accustomed to handling Japanese tracks have often struggled abroad. However, this horse dominated in heavy conditions in the Mimosa Sho, and I think she can also run well on a possible heavy track in Longchamp. Furthermore, she is a mare that is light in body weight and has a high cadence. While we can't predict the weather until race day, I believe she has a high aptitude for the track conditions."

What about the race distance?

"I'm not that worried about the distance. She has only run over the trip the Oaks 2400m (finished ninth) but that was before she had matured. She performed exceptionally well in the Takarazuka Kinen over 2200m, so it gives us confidence she can handle the extra furlong. Taking all this into account, we conducted her final training on the course to help her improve her fitness as much as possible."

How does she win the Arc?

I understand that the start of the race is quite crucial. She is usually relaxed but can sometimes get a little excited, if we can manage the early part of the race, it would be ideal. Settling too far back is not optimal but neither is having to push to secure a prominent position. I believe Christophe Lemaire knows this well and has won on her before. I hope they can deliver a well-timed performance on the day.