The soft ground horses to follow on Arc day at Longchamp

Sunday marks the eagerly-awaited Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, as Enable bids for a record-shattering third win in Europe’s most prestigious contest. The main talking point this week, however, has been the non-stop Parisian rain.

Longchamp has suffered a deluge of rain that has changed the ground to “Heavy”. With so much high-class racing, which horses are going to relish the testing conditions?

I’ve taken a look through the big races at Longchamp on Arc Day, to pick out those who will relish the task on heavy ground.

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1.15 Longchamp – Nando Parrado

Soft-ground won’t be stopping the class horse in the race, Nando Parrado. A shock 150/1 winner of the Coventry Stakes, he proved the form was no fluke with a great second to Campanelle in the Group 1 Prix Morny when last seen.

That was on soft ground and he hit the line very strongly after rallying in the closing stages. He’s the one to beat on the form figures and even if heavy ground isn’t ideal, he’s going to be extremely tough to beat.

1.50 Longchamp – Fev Rover

Coming into her own in two recent starts, Fev Rover arrives on a hat-trick. She broke through at Group level with a comfortable Group 2 success at Deauville back in August on “Very Soft” ground. Winning going away, she’ll relish stepping up in distance.

She holds King’s Harlequin on that form and is thoroughly unexposed for top connections. Pretty Gorgeous just about sets the form standard, but Fev Rover is the far more tempting price of the two.

3.05 Longchamp – Sottsass

Third in last year’s Arc, Sottsass bids to go two better twelve months on. Ground conditions won’t be too dissimilar and his record on ground recorded as “Soft” or worse reads 11342. A recent fourth in the Irish Champion Stakes suggested he was returning to his peak and a step back up to twelve furlongs is an obvious positive.

An each-way price for this year’s Arc, he needs plenty of consideration.

3.50 Longchamp – Alpine Star

The current race favourite, Alpine Star has run just once on truly testing ground. It was a brilliant effort too, finishing a close second to Palace Pier at Deauville in the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois.

That would suggest the ground is going to be no problem to her. She sets the form standard, six pounds clear of Fancy Blue on ratings, and there’s plenty of reasons why she’s the right race favourite.

4.25 Longchamp – Glass Slippers

Winning this race twelve months ago on “Very Soft” ground, Glass Slippers has a great chance to repeat the feat. She’s been in great form behind Battaash in 2020, winning the Group 1 Flying Five on her most recent start.

She arrives to France in incredible form and she’s unbeaten in two course and distance starts at Longchamp. Another deserving favourite who can glide through the mud.

4.55 Longchamp – Safe Voyage

Placed at Group 1 level on “Heavy”, Safe Voyage should be charting a winning course in the Prix de la Foret. He has won three of his five starts this term, with both his recent victories being Group 2 successes.

He’s yet to win at Group 1 level, but he’s gone close on both times he’s attempted it. His form this season has been rock-solid and he’s tough to look past.

Stream The Races With Virgin Bet!

If you’re going to be having a bet on the action on Sunday, you’ll be able to stream the action through Virgin Bet too! With racing currently behind closed doors, you’ll be able to cheer home your selection from the sofa! You’ll need to meet the Terms & Conditions, which can be found below.

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*For Irish racing, Min £1 single unit stake or 50p each way bet on race chosen for streaming. For non-Irish racing, you need cash funds in your account to watch. Coverage starts 2 minutes before off on the live video tab. 18+ Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org. T&Cs apply. Visit help.virginbet.com for more info