'I think she will perform well in France' - Arc hope Chrono Genesis wins Grade 1

Top-class mare Chrono Genesis, second to the John and Thady-trained Mishriff in Dubai in March, made her first start since then a winning one when powering home in the Grade 1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin on Sunday.

Trained by Takashi Saito, the five-year-old was a six-length winner of the race last year. She did not sparkle by that margin but, in scoring by two and a half lengths, was still well on top in overcoming Unicorn Lion and Lei Papale in the hands of Christophe Lemaire.

In recording her fourth victory at the highest level, Chrono Genesis showed why she might be considered Japan's best hope for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October. She can be backed at a best-priced 20-1 with British and Irish bookmakers for the Paris prize, though the majority went shorter following Sunday's success.

Her effort may also boost the claims of Mishriff, who was too strong for her in the Dubai Sheema Classic earlier in the year and is seen as a major player for this Saturday's Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

"The mare was in very good condition and looked great in the paddock," said Lemaire, standing in for her regular rider Yuichi Kitamura, who was sidelined with an injury.

"We were able to race in a good position behind Lei Papale. She stretched really well and was able to run the last 200 metres easily.

"She can race really well on a soft track, so I think she would perform well in France."

Shunsuke Yoshida, representing owners Sunday Racing, added: "As expected, Lemaire went for a good position to attack the target of Lei Papale, and I thought she was strong.

"She can run well on soft ground so I'd like to take her to challenge for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. I want to go there with a horse like her."

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Oct 3)

William Hill: 5 Love, Snowfall*, 7 Tarnawa, 8 Wonderful Tonight, 9 Mishriff, 10 Adayar*, St Mark’s Basilica, 12 Chrono Genesis, Hurricane Lane, 14 bar (*needs supplementing)

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'I thought Frankie had stolen it' – Hurricane Lane triumphs in epic Irish Derby

Curragh: Go Bears Go lands vintage Railway Stakes for David Loughnane and Rossa Ryan

Northumberland Plate: quirky but talented Nicholas T fulfils Goldie's Newcastle master plan

Newcastle: Chil Chil too hot for handicaps now and could head to July Cup

Newmarket: training legend Clive Brittain back on the July course to honour his late wife

Windsor: old favourite Century Dream lands Listed spoils for team Crisford

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