Improving at the opportune time of the year, according to William Buick, for his latest project in the Arc race by Fabre, following his win in the Niel.

Buick and Fabre Return to the Arc with Cualificar and Byzantine Dream

After a brief hiatus, Buick is back on board Cualificar for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, set to take place on October 5. The horse last competed in the Prix du Jockey Club, marking its return to the prestigious race.

Meanwhile, Byzantine Dream, trained by Japanese trainer Sakaguchi, made a strong statement with its victory in the Prix Foy, a significant Arc trial race. The win marks the fifth victory for Japanese-trained horses in the race and has boosted Byzantine Dream's odds to 10-1 for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Oisin Murphy, who rode Byzantine Dream to victory in the Prix Foy, praised the horse's improved rhythm and ability to beat a good field. However, Sakaguchi expressed some concern about the state of the ground for the Arc and mentioned that they will have to think about it closer to the event.

Byzantine Dream's win follows previous second-placed efforts in the Arc by El Condor Pasa in 1999, Orfevre in 2012 and 2013, and Deep Bond in 2021. The horse's victory in the Prix Foy was a useful marker, putting it in a strong position for the upcoming race.

Cualificar, trained by Andre Fabre, also secured a spot in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with its win in the Prix Niel. Fabre expected the horse's performance based on the extra distance and softer ground, and Buick was pleased with Cualificar's rhythm and improvement. The horse had struggled with weight issues during the summer, prompting Fabre to run the horse at Deauville.

However, Buick believes Cualificar is improving at the right time for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Coral currently lists Aventure as the favourite for the race at 9-2, with several other horses listed with varying odds, including Croix Du Nord at 8-1 and Cualificar at 20-1.

Sakaguchi also mentioned that they left plenty to work on as the race was only a prep for the Arc. The trainer expects more from Byzantine Dream and believes the horse will be at its best for the Arc. The jockey who will ride Byzantine Dream in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has not been announced yet.

Byzantine Dream got the better of several talented European middle-distance horses in the Prix Foy, including Cualificar. The horse's victory in the Prix Foy saw its odds cut to 12-1 for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is one of the most prestigious races in the world, and this year's event promises to be an exciting one. With both Cualificar and Byzantine Dream in the running, fans of horse racing are in for a treat.

Improving at the opportune time of the year, according to William Buick, for his latest project in the Arc race by Fabre, following his win in the Niel.