Japan's three challengers for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe are set to arrive in France later this month.
El Condor Pasa, Nakayama Festa and Orfevre (twice) have all finished second in the world’s most prestigious middle-distance race, with the Far Eastern nation's runners usually having a tune-up at this Sunday's trials meeting at Longchamp.
The team this year features Just A Way, Harp Star and Gold Ship.
Just A Way became the world's top-ranked horse when thrashing his rivals in the Dubai Duty Free and most recently won over a mile back in Japan at the start of June. The son of Heart’s Cry was well beaten in his only run to date over the Arc trip of 12 furlongs.
Three-year-old Harp Star and hardy five-year-old Gold Ship, both Group One winners, finished first and second in last month's Sapporo Kinen.
A spokesperson from the Japanese Racing Association said: "Just A Way, Gold Ship and Harp Star will be involved in the Arc field.
"However, they will be scheduled to arrive in Chantilly on 20 September and will not run in any of the prep races in France."
