Group 1 Bonanza! Arc Weekend Outsiders + Owen’s 1949/1 Each-Way Treble!

One of the best weekends of racing of each flat season, the Arc Meeting in France has eight Group 1 races and hosts Europe’s premier race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This year’s renewal carries so much historical significance, with Enable looking to produce a scintillating performance that will put her into the history books as the first horse to win the Arc three times.

For all our horse racing tips, including both days of action at Longchamp, check on site now! This article, however, will be looking at some lively outsiders in the big races, including challengers from England, France and Ireland!

Cleonte (4.35pm Saturday, Prix Du Cadran)

Dee Ex Bee finally gets his chance to forge his own destiny after staring at Stradivarius’ backside in recent starts. He stays this trip by virtue of a Gold Cup second at Royal Ascot and has a big chance on that. That said, this race should turn into a complete stamina test and that will suit CLEONTE down to the ground. He’s all stamina, as proven by a recent Doncaster Cup second where he was also second to Stradivarius.

Dee Ex Bee should go forward to set the gallop, but he’s unlikely to be given his own way and that should force a strong end to end gallop. That will just play into Cleonte’s hand, as he stays all day, and the day after too. He handles softer ground and this race has surely been earmarked out for him. If keeping the leaders within range, he should be surging late and it would be no surprise to see him pick their pockets.

Tip: CLEONTE (12/1)

Alson (1.50pm Sunday, Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere)

This is a fascinating race, with so many unexposed two-year-olds with the potential to be top-class. Victor Ludorum heads the market and that’s little surprise after two cozy wins for Andre Fabre. Armory is another with a leading chance, winning three of his five starts and only finding Pinatubo too good at Group 1 level last time.

In my view, however, the interesting one in the contest is Jean-Pierre Carvalho’s ALSON, who went into the notebook after a Group 3 win at Baden-Baden in August. He was far too keen in that contest and had a lot to do with two furlongs too go. He showed a fantastic turn of foot to mow down his rivals in the final 100 yards, pulling right away to score by two lengths.

That form looks strong for that level and Frankie Dettori takes over here, which is a statement of intent. Unexposed and potentially exciting, his price does seem very harsh on what he’s achieved thus far.

Tip: ALSON (9/1)

Fleeting (3.55pm Sunday, Prix de l’Opera Longines)

This race is quite the puzzle, with plenty of form tying back to the Oaks back in June. Mehdaayih heads the market after posting a career-best to finish second in the Nassau at Goodwood. She was luckless in the aforementioned Oaks and has proved so since, but even if her best form gives her a huge shout, the potential rainfall gives her questions to answer.

Terebellum is another for John Gosden and perhaps would be preferred of the pair, given she’s highly progressive and relished softer ground to win a Deauville Group 2 last time. Aidan O’Brien comes across with three useful fillies and FLEETING looks the one to side with.

She’s run well throughout her 2019 campaign, third in the Epsom Oaks and then second to subsequent Group 1 winner Star Catcher in the Ribblesdale. Dropping to ten furlongs could be a good move, given the turn of foot she showed in the Beverley D. at Arlington over this distance in August. She handles softer ground and provided she gets some luck in running, she can be expected to come with a strong late surge.

Tip: FLEETING (14/1)

The treble on these three horses pays an enormous 1949/1, so it’s certainly an each-way treble if you are playing on the selections. If you’re looking for a big price in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, see below!

French King (3.05pm Sunday, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe)

Let’s not beat around the bush here, history aside, Enable is the class act in this race and on what she’s shown at her glorious best, she’s the one to beat. Yes, she’s facing her toughest task yet against the likes of Japan and Sottsass, and yes, history is firmly against her, but this wonder-filly just keeps on winning no matter the conditions and task on hand.

At a massive price, French King could certainly make a play for the money. He’s unbeaten in four starts in 2019 and readily accounted for Communique and Old Persian when landing a Group 1 at Hoppegarten last time. He does need to improve again to be landing a serious blow, but he’s a strong traveller who won’t mind the softer ground and if this turns into a real test, he could be sneaking into the money late.

Arc Outsider Tip: FRENCH KING (33/1)