were nearly there
JAPANESE superstar Deep Impact has completed his preparations for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with a gallop at Chantilly racecourse.
The subject of considerable market support in recent days, he covered six furlongs with two work companions.
The four-year-old was partnered by big-race jockey Yutaka Take and completed the final four furlongs in 50 seconds and the final furlong in 12 seconds to prove his well-being.
Speaking at a press conference following the gallop, trainer Yasuo Ikee said: "I didn't give any instructions to Yutaka today. I am quite satisfied with Deep Impact's final preparations.
"He is in very good shape. All the staff, including myself, were very pleased to hear Yutaka say that he got a very good response from Deep Impact today.
"We will do our best from now until the race day to make him 100% fit for the race. I am not too concerned about his draw and as representatives of Japan, we really want to win."
Take was similarly impressed and once again stated his intention to become the first non-European based jockey to win the Arc. "The other two horses went off first and I followed behind," said Take. "Although I didn't use a whip, Deep Impact went two lengths clear of the others. I think this is the best work he's done since arriving here.
"We want to gain the honour of being the first horse and the first jockey outside Europe to win the Arc de Triomphe.
"I know that this is the hardest race to win in the world, so I want to be victorious. I believe that Deep Impact is a world-class horse and I will ride in the race with that belief.
"I won't talk about his draw because if I say what I wish for, it probably won't come true! I would rather it didn't rain before the race.
"I've received a lot of encouragement from so many peopleback in Japan. I want to win the Arc and make their dream come true.
"If he wins this race, he will be recognised the best horse in the world and I sincerely hope to make him the best in the world."
Deep Impact, who has been beaten just once in 11 starts, is the clear 5-2 favourite with Coral for Sunday's showpiece
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