57 years. It's been 57 years since the first Japanese horse set hoof on French turf to race in the L'Arc. That horse was Speed Symboli, but you might know him as that anime horse girl in that game called Umamusume: Pretty Derby. And for 57 years, Japan kept sending their horses to race in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe and will continue until they reach that glorious victory. 57 years, and not a single win for Japan? Actually, it is pretty hard to win since tracks around the world differ and the competition is extremely fierce. Not to mention traveling overseas can take a toll on a horse's health and the differences in racing styles can also play a big part. To summarize, mid-leg recovery skills won't proc and there is also a stam debuff. For non-European horses only, apparently. For the umamusume that actually raced in the L'Arc, you literally have to look at their race records to find out ToT Some are the ones mentioned below, Sirius Symboli, Chrono Genesis, Manhattan Cafe, Blast Onepiece, Satono Diamond, Gold Ship, Sakura Laurel, Tap Dance City, Victoire Pisa, Kiseki, and Titleholder. Of the many horses Japan sent, a few almost came close enough to snatch the gold. Horses such as- the greatest in the world, ELLL CONDOR PASAAAA!!!! Orfevre, who placed 2nd TWICE and actually has his French rival in the game (although with a different name, Venus Paques aka Treve) and Nakayama Festa (NAKAYAMA FESTA THE GOATT!!!!) This year, they're sending Meisho Tabaru (THE GOAT with GOATED fanmade umamusume designs I can't sweat enough sweat how much I love his fanmade uma designs-) and Admire Terra (famous for his famously famous Japan Cup throw iykyk) Both of them are actually not running in any prep races before the Arc, which could be an advantage. Cristian Demuro will jockey Admire Terra and Yutaka Take will be the jockey for Tabaru (also congrats to Take's 12th L'Arc!) For my opinion, if nobody cares, I think Terra got it ngl. If you just looked at his race record you might be questioning this but according to the trainer he's got good experience and is in peak condition. Meanwhile Tabaru, I know he has a lot of hype for being a Goldling- which makes sense. Stay Gold has French in his pedigree so idk maybe the Golds really do have an advantage? I really hope he's adjusted before the L'Arc. I believe in 'em.
France, America, where are we going next, Australia? Art by @BigBearu Character is Chrono Genesis from Umamusume: Pretty Derby Actually though holy yap
