Japan's hopes of ending its Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hoodoo suffered a blow after Kitasan Black was beaten in the Takarazouka KInen at Hanshin on Sunday.

Satono Crown won the G1 contest while Kitasan Black could not sustain a hard run after he was posted three deep for much of the 2400m journey.

Expectations were high in Kitasan Black's camp but after the defeat trainer Hisashi Shimizu said Japan's reigning Horse of the Year would not be trained for the Arc in Paris in October.

Kitasan Black, sent off odds-on to capture his third straight Grade 1 race, raced handily under Yutaka Take but had a wide trip and was being niggled along by his legendary rider.

The five-year-old, a close third in the Takarazuka Kinen 12 months ago, made his move swinging for home but had no answer to Satono Crown's turn of foot under Mirco Demuro and faded to finish ninth.

Hong Kong Vase winner Satono Crown went on to beat the 2015 Arima Kinen ace Gold Actor.

Take came in for criticism for his ride but defended the performance.

"He didn't run well, I can't say why. This is the first time he's been beaten like this,” Take said.

“The ground wasn't bad, so it wasn't a problem for him and his condition was very good. There was no excuse for him, but I think it's very difficult for horses to win every race they run in."

Kitasan Black's trainer Hisashi Shimizu said he will aim the Japan Cup winner at the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) at Tokyo on October 29 before a crack at the Arima Kinen on December 24 at Nakayama.

Satono Crown is not in the Arc but his victory earned him a place in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar on November 4.

A trip to Del Mar may be on the cards as his business magnate owner Hajime Satomi already has Satono Diamond set for the Arc.

Satono Crown's trainer Noriyuki Hori said: "I couldn't get him in good condition for his previous race in the Osaka Hai so I'm very happy to get this result.

"He is very nervous when he goes to the races, so I try to make countermeasures for it.”