PARIS, France (AFP) — Japan’s dream of winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after 55 years of trying was given a boost as Byzantine Dream won the key Arc trial at Longchamp on Sunday.

The Japanese have gone close in Europe’s most prestigious race on several occasions — most notably Orfevre who threw away victory in the final 100 metres in 2012.

And Byzantine Dream’s impressive victory in the Prix Foy suggests he has a live chance to win at Longchamp on October 5.

He will face some tough opposition, notably Aventure who shed her Group One bridesmaid’s tag as last year’s Arc runner-up when she won a high-class Prix Vermeille.

Oisin Murphy brought Byzantine Dream with a well-timed challenge to pass the favourite Sosie and win in impressive fashion.

It was the fifth time in the past 35 years Japan has won the Group Two contest, two-time Arc runner-up Orfevre a dual winner of it.

Byzantine Dream is one of four Japanese hopefuls for the Arc.

Alohi Alii, an impressive winner in Deauville last month; Japanese Derby victor Croix de Nord; and Shin Emperor, who finished a disappointing 12th last year in the Arc, are the other entries.

Murphy believes Byzantine Dream, trained by Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, can fulfil Japan’s Arc hopes 56 years after their first runner, Speed Symboli, came and failed to conquer.

“He relaxed very well and finished brilliantly,” said Murphy, who has yet to win the Arc.

“He is temperamental, but in the right mood he is a crack horse.

“The Arc is the most important race in the world and if the ground is good he will have a great chance.”

Murphy may not be on Byzantine Dream for the Arc, depending on whether his employers in England have a runner, and Sosie will be better for the run.

Fourth in last year’s Arc, Sosie’s trainer Andre Fabre, who has won the race a record eight times, will have been pleased with his run.

Taking the risks

Aventure came second in the Vermeille last year — behind Bluestocking who was to deny her again in the Arc — but once she hit the front under Maxime Guyon there was only going to be one winner.

Prix de Diane winner Gezora was an eye-catching second but the big disappointment was O’Brien’s race favourite Whirl who dropped away tamely to finish last.

Aventure’s victory was also a first Group One win for her trainer Christophe Ferland, who puffed out his cheeks with relief.

“I was tense because I have targets and contracts to fulfil and I can now relax, having won a Group One — myself and the filly,” said Ferland.

“She is the queen of Longchamp today. Let us hope she confirms that in the Arc.”

Fabre gained consolation in the Group Two Prix Niel, Cualificar giving the 79-year-old trainer his 13th win in the race.

No Niel winner has gone on to add the Arc since Rail Link in 2006.