Leading rider Jamie Spencer has had a torrid time with injury over the last 12 months but has been back racing over the last few months and has managed to pick up a ride in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday aboard Deirdre for Japan.
Oisin Murphy normally picks up the ride on the six year old, but with him not being available to take the ride on Sunday it has left connections to choose a new jockey and that man will be Jamie Spencer.
The mare has raced three times this year, starting in late February when finishing second in Riyadh in a weak event and then after a small break the six year old returned to England in the Eclipse.
She finished a no better fifth that that day and although it being against some of the best runners in the world at that distance, she will be taking on the same in the Arc.
She took on the girls last time out in the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, which she was a shock winner of last season, and although coming with a challenge she faded late on and finished last of the seven runners.
The Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes goes to Japan!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 1, 2019
Deirdre powers home for a historic success at @Goodwood_Races under @oismurphy 🇯🇵 #ディアドラ #競馬 pic.twitter.com/XuUY3Q8A6b
Her form will be one of the weakest heading into the Arc this term and connections will be hoping that with Spencer on board he can get the maximum out of her on the day.
(Credit Racing Post) The trainer's son and assistant Yoshi Hashida, who has been supervising preparations in Newmarket, said: "We think Jamie Spencer's style will suit Deirdre. We were also impressed with his passion to ride her. Even when it looked as though he would definitely have to spend eight days in quarantine he wanted to take the mount.
"Jamie has returned from serious injury this year and Deirdre is returning from a setback as well. We're hoping on Sunday they can unite for a great comeback story."
As for many, the predicted heavy ground could cause problems for some horses and also ruin the spectacle at Parislongchamp on Sunday and for the 50/1 Japanese outsider it will certainly be the muddiest ground she has ever contested in.
Hashida added: "I know she is a Japanese-bred horse but after her experiences overseas I think she's now better equipped and able to handle soft ground. It's also true that if you don’t take on difficult challenges you won’t succeed.
"She's in beautiful form and we think she's very close to being at her absolute best."