"Japanese raider Shin Emperor targets ambitious double in Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after a promising ParisLongchamp gallop."
Japanese raider Shin Emperor is set to attempt an impressive double by participating in both the Irish Champion Stakes and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after successfully completing a gallop at ParisLongchamp.
This three-year-old has the lineage for a European quest, as he is a French-bred full-brother to Sottsass, who followed the same path to win the Arc in 2020.
Shin Emperor last raced in the Japanese Derby in late May, finishing third, and showed good form during a public workout in Paris on Sunday.
Under the training of Yoshito Yahagi, known for international victories including a Breeders' Cup double and Panthalassa in the Saudi Cup, the Siyouni colt aims to surpass the achievements of El Condor Pasa and Orfevre, who both finished second in the Arc for Japan.
Owner Susumu Fujita's racing manager, Hiroshi Ando, told Sky Sports Racing: "I spoke to both of the assistant trainers and the rider told them Shin Emperor adapted really well on the track and he said we could make no excuse for the ground.
"He was comfortable to handle that ground; so we did the test today, we felt really well and we are very satisfied.
"Of course, he has a French background and pedigree and that's why we are here.
"I have really realised Shin Emperor is French, because as soon as he was back in Chantilly, he reacted like he was back home!
"He looked very comfortable and he loved the French oats, which was a surprise, because normally the Japanese horses don't eat, but he ate very well. He's really loving being in France, I think."
Shin Emperor is anticipated to compete against a tough field in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday, including competitors like Economics, Auguste Rodin, and Los Angeles.
Ando added: "His full-brother Sottsass, I think he went to the Irish Champion Stakes, too (finished fourth) – so we try to copy that, I guess.
"We thought that race is really good for us, so after galloping today, conditions should be good to go there, fitness-wise.
"Of course, we want to go to the Arc after that, so we have to manage his condition, but we will try our best for the Irish Champion Stakes, too.
"We really respect the Irish Champion Stakes, we don't want to miss any race and we will try our best."
Regular rider Ryusei Sakai is set to travel to partner Shin Emperor and is expected to perform well in these major races.
"He is a very young jockey but he rode in the Kentucky Derby this year (beaten narrowly in third), he also won the UAE Derby and the Saudi Derby with Forever Young, so he's a very talented young jockey," said Ando.
"Also, he won two years ago at Longchamp, so we don't have any issue with that."
