France’s flagship race takes place on Sunday, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. One of the most prestigious races in the world, Europe’s elite middle-distance horses will be fighting to be crowned as the best in the continent. Japan are seeking to establish themselves as a legitimate power in international turf racing and also have a strong hand in this year’s renewal. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
This horse has long been the apple of Aidan O’Brien’s eye and is slowly building his reputation as a serious turf horse. We didn’t see him for a while after the Guineas but he scored in a Group 3 before winning an extended battle in the Irish Champion Stakes last time. Further progress will be needed but that certainly isn’t out of the question on his first start over 1m4f.
Sir Mark Prescott’s excellent filly cemented her status as a contender by beating the boys in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud two starts ago. That wasn’t the strongest renewal however and the level of competition will be significantly higher on Sunday. It could be a struggle for her.
Looked like a real superstar when obliterating the opposition in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly. This was confirmed by his defeat of Mishriff and Native Trail in the Eclipse at Sandown in July. He does have one blemish on his record however as he was beaten by Luxembourg and Onesto in the Irish Champion Stakes last time.
The Japanese raider is a fascinating contender. Toru Kurita’s colt has had an outstanding season so far, winning back-to-back Grade 1s. Stamina looks like his forte as he’s a Grade 1 winner over two miles. Clearly an adaptable horse, he scored over 1m3f when last seen at Hanshin.
Charlie Appleby’s Derby and King George-winner was actually tipped by me a few months ago at 20-1. A disrupted campaign hasn’t helped his cause but he showed that he’s still got it when winning at Doncaster. The weather will dictate his participation as he was bogged down in the mud last year and connections won’t want that to happen again.
Of the main contenders for this year’s renewal, Vadeni (9-1, William Hill) looks most like the Arc winner to me. This is his first try at 1m4f and there’s evidence in his pedigree that it’ll suit. Hats must go off to connections who have campaigned him bravely to take on the best of the British and the Irish. Having looked like a monster last time he was on home soil, I’d rather be with him than against him.
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