Hi all,
One of the season's top races, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, is here. Last year, Ace Impact won, and the French look strong again. Sosie and Prix du Jockey Club winner Look De Vega lead the betting and have solid chances.
Besides the Arc, there are five other Group 1 races—two for juveniles, plus the Foret, Abbaye, and Opera. Expect an exciting day at Longchamp and you catch four races live on ITV3.
I’ve previewed four of the five ITV races and looked at two other Group 1 races on the Arc Day card.
Longchamp
The Arc Day card kicks off with two juvenile Group 1 contests.
12:55 – Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (Group 1) – 1m
Ten fillies line up. However, betting suggests a three-horse race between Zarigana, Bedtime Story, and Simmering.
Simmering, consistent and proven on soft ground, looks good each-way value after her Group 2 win and close second in the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes.
Bedtime Story needs to bounce back from a poor run in the Moyglare. If she does, she’s a threat, but Simmering appeals more at the prices.
Zarigana, bred to improve as a 3-year-old, heads the market after an impressive Group 3 win which can watch here. While I won’t back her at odds-on, I’ve placed small bets on her at 16/1 for the 1,000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks. Even though I suspect she may stay at home for the French versions.
1:30 – Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1) – 7f
Henri Matisse has won his first three starts but wandered around when runner-up in the Group 1 National Stakes. With headgear on, we'll see if it was greenness or temperament.
Field Of Gold, winner of the Solario Stakes, could improve further and is a contender to give Kieran Shoemark a Group 1 success for the Gosden’s.
Rashabar, Coventry Stakes winner, ran second in the Group 1 Prix Morny last time. Today’s extra furlong should suit, making him a strong player.
Houquetot won a Group 3 over this course and distance. Misunderstood also claimed a Group 3 victory here over 1m last month, making them the best of the home challengers. Houquetot looks a bit big at 18/1 with Bet365, but he's drawn wide in stall 10.
3:20 – Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Group 1) – 1m 4f
Not a vintage renewal but it looks wide open contest on paper.
Look De Vega, the French Derby winner, didn’t impress in the Prix Niel, but he wasn’t pushed hard and should peak on Sunday. If there is a ‘superstar’ in the line-up its him.
Bluestocking, twice a Group 1 winner this season, was supplemented for the race and should run well back against the boys.
Aventure, a close second to Bluestocking in the Prix Vermeille, has a good draw (4) and looks a lively outsider.
Fantastic Moon, only 11th in last year’s race but has looked stronger horse this year. He needs good ground and if he gets it can get into the money.
4:05 – Prix de l'Opera Longines (Group 1) – 1m 2f
Fallen Angel, the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner, was second in the Matron Stakes. She looks ready for the step up in trip.
Ylang Ylang was back to form when a close-up fourth in the Matron. The return to 1m 2f suits and she could turn the tables on Fallen Angel on easy ground.
Sparkling Plenty, winner of the Prix de Diane, looks more comfortable back at 1m 2f after in the Vermeille.
Hanalia, a strong finisher in the Group 2 Blandford Stakes at the Curragh last time, needs another career-best here but has potential.
Friendly Soul has won four of her five starts. Switching to front-running tactics recently has led to victories in a Group 3 at Ascot and a Group 2 at Deauville. Soft ground is a question mark, and she'll need to improve again, but she has a chance.
Start Of Day has improved with each of her four runs. She won her first three starts impressively and was unlucky not to make it four when second by half a length in a Group 3 over this course and distance last time. She’s stepping up in class but is progressing well and could surprise.
4:40 – Prix de la Foret (Group 1) – 7f
Kinross, last year’s winner, was back to winning ways at Doncaster last time. With a good draw and soft ground, he’s primed for another big run.
Tribalist got an enterprising front running ride when winning the Group 1 Prix Moulin and is a danger. He’s to classy to discount but a wide draw (12) is a concern.
Ramatuelle, third in both the 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes, should benefit from a drop back to 7f and has a good draw (6).
Kelina, last year’s surprise winner, has a tough draw in 15 but could still be in the mix.
Good luck with your Arc Day bets.
John