Byzantine Dream stepped firmly into Arc contention at ParisLongchamp, powering past the French hope Sosie to take the Qatar Prix Foy (G2) for trainer Tomoyasu Sakaguchi and jockey Oisin Murphy.

The 4-year-old son of Epiphaneia travelled at the rear early as Mont St Michel set a strong pace for stablemate Los Angeles. Up front, Almaqam, Sosie and Arrow Eagle held prominent positions while Byzantine Dream was kept hidden near the back alongside Iresine.

Turning for home, the race played out like a relay. Los Angeles moved up and was then headed by Sosie, but Murphy produced Byzantine Dream with a decisive late surge to collar Sosie close to the line, the winner never requiring the whip. Always in the mix but slightly wider, Almaqam took third ahead of a brave Los Angeles.

Official result — Qatar Prix Foy
1st Byzantine Dream (O. Murphy)
2nd Sosie (M. Guyon)
3rd Almaqam (W. Buick)
Time: 2’28’’32. Margins: ½ – 2 – Head.

Japan has a strong history in the Prix Foy — notable past performers include El Condor Pasa (1999), Orfèvre (2012, 2013) and Deep Bond (2021) — and Byzantine Dream’s win underlines the nation’s continued relevance among Arc trail contenders.

“The horse was in very good condition. The jockey rode a perfect race. It’s a beautiful victory. He still has room for improvement. He will be at the peak of his condition for the Arc. Today was just a prep race, and he still has something in hand. The question will be the ground, but the main goal is to have the horse ready for the Arc, and then we’ll see how the ground turns out on the day.”
— Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, trainer of Byzantine Dream

“He relaxed very well during the race. He’s a very good horse. He’s truly amazing. He’s got a lot of temperament and possesses a very sharp turn of foot. The Arc is the most important race in the world. He will have a strong chance if the ground stays good.”
— Oisin Murphy, jockey of Byzantine Dream

With the Prix Foy now on his CV, Byzantine Dream is set for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) on October 5 at ParisLongchamp, provided connections are satisfied with the going on the day.

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