Japanese star Makahiki wins Prix Niel Japanese Derby winner Makahiki ran out a cosy winner of the Qatar Prix Niel to advertise his Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe claims. The son of Deep Impact was sent off at 4/9 for the Chantilly Group Two and lived up to the billing with a smooth success in the 12 furlong contest. Midterm, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, took the field along on his first run since returning from injury and was tracked by Doha Dream as Christophe Lemaire waited in rear aboard the eventual winner. Midterm kept on gallantly when challenged by Doha Dream but Lemaire confidently allowed the pair to duel before easing past them close home. Midterm won the battle for minor honours to run a more than satisfactory race under substitute jockey Vincent Cheminaud.
