Soumillon happy with Arc hope Kiseki as team Sumii build up to Prix Foy

Christophe Soumillon hailed his first encounter with Arc hopeful Kiseki as "perfect" after partnering last year's Japan Cup runner-up in a breeze at Chantilly on Saturday morning.

Soumillon has been booked for the ride in next Sunday's Qatar Prix Foy aboard Kiseki – a top-priced 40-1 chance in some places for the Arc – with an option to maintain the partnership for Europe's richest race on October 6 should all go smoothly in the trial.

Soumillon chose to largely ignore work partner Monde Chat Luna and make solo progress anti-clockwise around Les Aigles.

Having been debriefed by the dual Arc-winning jockey, assistant trainer Hiroaki Kiyoma said: "Christophe said after he dismounted that it was 'just perfect.' Kiseki has great balance and he was on the bridle the whole time, moving really well. Christophe says he is very much looking forward to the prep race."

Soumillon has good memories of his relationship with Kiseki's veteran trainer, Katsuhiko Sumii, with the pair having combined for a runaway Japan Cup victory in 2014 courtesy of Epiphaneia.

And while the 38-year-old Belgian's retainer with the Aga Khan has meant he was a long time in committing to Kiseki for the Foy, Soumillon has been the team's number one choice almost since they decided to target the Arc, with Sumii hoping that if all goes well in the Prix Foy, he can keep the partnership intact for the first Sunday in October.

Kiseki adds a fascinating tactical angle to this year's Arc, given a habitual front-running style which mirrors that of last Sunday's Grosser Preis von Baden winner Ghaiyyath.

Kiseki pictured with assistant trainer Hiroaki KiyomaCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

But the team don't believe he is as tactically one-dimensional as earlier in his career.

"He was in front in the Japan Cup and he certainly relaxed when he leads his races like that," said Kiyoma. "In his two Group 1 races this year he was prominent but not in the lead, yet he still managed to relax and stay calm. We are happy for him to lead but he doesn't have to. We are teaching him to settle and save a bit for the energy and we hope he can show a great finishing burst in the Arc."

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