The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the biggest races in the world and the Longchamp showpiece takes place in October. Many of the key form pointers have been and gone so now seems like a good time to take an ante-post look at the race.
Liam Bramall has picked out two strong fancies for those considering an ante-post play. Chief among them is an Aidan O’Brien-trained horse who has been exceptional this season and could go all the way if heading over to France. check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
This filly has to be in the running for horse of the year and she continues to go from strength to strength. The daughter of Wootton Bassett isn’t at the moment so she would need to be supplemented.
She made a mockery of the field when winning the Musidora at York in May so her performance in the Oaks was no surprise. Stablemate Minnie Hauk was ridden by Ryan Moore that day so Whirl essentially set the race up for her. Never giving up, she battled all the way to the line and wasn’t beaten far.
Two 1m2f Group 1 wins followed, including a defeat of ante-post favourite Kalpana at the Curragh. Proving herself in testing conditions at Goodwood last time, Whirl has the answer to every question and won’t go down without a fight if running in the Arc.
You need to be tough to cope with this sort of test, as it can get a bit rough at times. O’Brien’s filly doesn’t know when to give up and her tenacity is matched only by her talent. There are no negatives so if connections decide to supplement her, she would surely have every chance.
Whirl @ 8/1 (Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe)
Japan is a rising force in international racing and tend to do particularly well with middle-distance types. This three-year-old won a Grade 1 over 1m2f at two and was a game winner of the Japanese Derby last time out. It would be great to see him line up here and a big run wouldn’t be a surprise.
Croix Du Nord @ 20/1 (Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe)
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