Longchamp Tips for Arc Day 2018

Europe’s most prestigious flat race returns to Longchamp (or how it’s now known, ParisLongchamp) following a two year break as they renovated the venue. Unsurprisingly with 6 Group 1’s on the card, the quality is breathtaking. So sit back and relax as we take you through our selections for the big day!

1.20pm – Prix Marcel Boussac Tips

The undefeated Rocques deservedly heads the market, a Group 3 the latest win added to her profile following her pair of victories in easier races. But it’s the horse she beat in that contest who is the most interesting and that’s CERATONIA (6/1 each way). She showed a very willing attitude to win on her debut over 7f at Ascot, seeing the race out strongly and thus suggesting slightly further would suit her. To be second in a Group 3 on her second start to a more experienced rival shows she has plenty of ability and we fully expect her to improve further from that run to reverse the form with the favourite. Her trainer, Charlie Appleby, has had a truly remarkable season in France and he trained Ceratonia’s half-sister Wild Illusion to win this very contest last season. She also won on her debut before getting turned over in the same Group 3 the selection ran in. The other Godolphin runner, Dubai Beauty, was well-backed in the May Hill Stakes but failed to fire and it would be no surprise to see her bounce back. Star Terms has been running consistently well and is another who can’t be ruled out in this competitive renewal, along with Pink Dogwood who was an impressive winner last time.

1.55pm – Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere Tips

It’s difficult to look past ANODOR (4/5) here, who has won both starts so far in good style. He beat subsequent runaway dual winner Persian King on debut before gaining a comfortable Group 3 win last time. He should be too good for Boitron who is exciting himself and remains unbeaten after three victories. He’s won with relative ease with the latest being a Listed race, but that form has taken a few knocks and he might just be bumping into a top-class rival here. Royal Marine improved markedly from his debut when beating subsequent winner Turgenev on his second start in emphatic fashion and it’d be no surprise to see him run a big race under Oisin Murphy. Aidan O’Brien’s Broome has been progressing nicely with each start but is more exposed than his rivals, while Shaman and Dark Jedi have quite a bit to find to be competitive at this level.

3.05pm – Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Tips

See our Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe tips here!

3.50pm – Prix de l’Opera Tips

Charlie Appleby’s Wild Illusion looked very much at home over this trip when winning the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and having won at this meeting last year, holds strong credentials. But she was beaten in the Guineas, Oaks and Ribblesdale, plus given she very much got the run of the race at Goodwood last time, we think she could be vulnerable again today. Magic Wand looked back to her best when a head second in the Prix Vermeille last time and has to be feared along with Urban Fox who’s taken her form to a new level since joining William Haggas. The one we like is WITH YOU (11/2 each way), who is a sister to We Are who won this race in 2014. With You boasts strong form over this course and distance when a close second to Laurens in May before gaining her first Group 1 win on her penultimate start. She was third in the Jacques le Marois when last seen behind Alpha Centauri and Recoletos (who’s won a Group 1 since), which is eye-catching form and the step back up in trip should prove ideal. Last years winner Rhododendron can’t be ruled out if bouncing back from her disappointing effort in the Irish Champion Stakes.

4.25pm – Prix de l’Abbaye Tips

This race revolves around the enigma that is Battaash, if he’s on song then the chances of him being beaten are slim. However, we have seen that he can be vulnerable and at the price, he’s worth taking on. The consistent and very likeable Alpha Delphini looks overpriced considering he won the Nunthorpe in August. There looks to be bundles of pace on here with the likes of Battaash, Alpha Delphini, Havana Grey, Tantheem, Hit The Bid and Soldier’s Call all liking to get on with things. The latter is interesting being a two year old getting a huge weight allowance of up to 18lbs. But with the way the race will likely pan out, this could fall into the lap of hold up performer CITY LIGHT (9/1 each way). He won his first three this season which included one over course and distance before getting unlucky in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot. He was only beaten a short head that day after being awkward leaving the stalls. Last time out he was in rear early before making smooth progress a couple of furlongs out, he snatched second but the winner was long gone. With more competitive early pace on he should be flying past them late and has a great chance to at least hit the frame.

5.00pm – Prix de la Foret Tips

Gustav Klimt has tried a few distances this season but hasn’t managed to get his head in front since April, which is an immediate concern. But he bounced back to form in the Sprint Cup last time when staying on well for third in the mud, suggesting that his 7 furlongs could be the trip he wants. He may struggle to hold off POLYDREAM (13/8) though, who is a course and distance winner who won the Prix Maurice de Gheest last time when getting up late to deny James Garfield. The extra half furlong here will be ideal for her, she’s always been well thought of by her master trainer Freddy Head and can get another win here. Sir Dancealot has done well over this distance this season, One Master has her conditions and lastly French 1,000 Guineas winner Tepal can’t be forgotten about having won both her starts at this trip.