Of the main contenders for this year’s renewal, Vadeni 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. (Liam Bramall)
Luxembourg was written off by so many over the course of the season but he has proved his doubters wrong, in spadefuls. The 3yo son of Camelot has only come up short once in his career to date and that was in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas back in April the third behind Coreobus and Native Trail.
He then had his issues and looked nowhere near good enough to compete at Group 1 level when struggling to get on top of Insinuendo in the Royal Whip, but he did so. O’Brien really worked his skill as a master of his trade to get him spot on for the Irish Champion Stakes where he won impressively and the Arc this year doesn’t look all that deep for all it will be competitive. Luxembourg is a dual winner on soft ground in Group 1 company and he has a good draw. I think he is a freak of nature myself.
The only horse I can see troubling him is Alpinista, who deserves to be at the head of the market. I think the pair will fight out the finish. (Adrian Wall)
Beaten by a Length is back! Get a Free Bet up to £10 if your horse is beaten by a length or less in any race at the selected meeting each day. To qualify, place a £1+ win or each-way single from 8am on the day of the race. This qualifies for all ITV races at Longchamp on Sunday.