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From Racing Post...

Deep Impact does first piece of work in France
by Desmond Stoneham

CONNECTIONS of Japanese superstar Deep Impact, who on Friday did his first piece of light work after arriving in France, have confirmed the colt will not have a prep race for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

The four-year-old, brilliant winner of the Japanese triple crown last term, is stationed at trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias’ Chantilly yard ahead of the October 1 showpiece, for which he is a best-priced 5-1 third-favourite behind Hurricane Run.

On Friday morning Deep Impact was in action at Chantilly. Isao Okano, the head of theJapan Racing Association in Paris reported: “Deep Impact did a canter on the sand over 2000m (1m2f) with his work rider.

His big-race jockey Yutaka Take saw the work and he was on board a pony. His trainer Yasuo Ikee has arrived and the horse will probably work on the grass next week.” Looking ahead, Okano reiterated the intention for the colt not to appear in any trial for the Arc. “Deep Impact has come over to France for just the Arc and nothing else,” he said.

“He will not run in thePrix Foy. He travelled well and we are very pleased with the way he has settled down at Chantilly. He seems to have adapted very well to his new surroundings. All his food and water for his stay has been brought over from Japan.”

The son of Sunday Silence has been beaten just once in 11 starts, suffering the only defeat of his life at the hands of King George third Heart’s Cry in last year’s renewal of the prestigious Arima-Kinen.