The wait is now over. This coming Sunday, ParisLongchamp hosts the 2023 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, yet again a fascinating edition, and finding the key to the 2400m showpiece is no easy task given the markedly differing profiles in the line-up.

On the French side, locals will be counting on the exceptional Ace Impact, who has won five from five. His Prix du Jockey-Club victory left nobody in doubt about his class and whether he is leader of his generation simply in France, or Europe in general, may well be decided at the weekend. Fourth to him in the French Derby, Feed The Flame, went on to pick up the Grand Prix de Paris, over the Arc course, on his next start. Although beaten in the Prix Niel, he nonetheless represents the other good French 3 year-old prospect and, very much at his ease under these conditions, seeing him pass the post in front would be no surprise.

Winner of last year’s particularly elevated Prix de l’Opéra, Place Du Carrousel has followed the perfect preparation for the Arc, notably winning the Prix Foy, and is not incapable of springing a surprise. Simca Mille, who went to Germany to win a first Group 1, looks more a place chance and will need good going to fully express himself.

Supplemented on Wednesday, at a cost of €120,000, Continuous progressed remarkably well over the summer and is the best prospect among the Irish- and UK-trained 3 year-olds. His only trip to France this year resulted in an unplaced finish in the Jockey-Club and he will need to have put that firmly behind him.

A number of older horses look serious contenders for the crown, Hukum, Westover, two cases in point. Both hardened individuals, there was very little to separate them in the King George, and it was clear they were head-and-shoulders above the opposition. A mention must be made of Bay Bridge who has plainly not lived up to standards this season, but who is still a classy horse.

A small revelation from the German contingent is not out of the question. Sisfahan may not be an obvious choice, but 3 year-olds, Fantastic Moon and Mr Hollywood, finished respectively first and second in the German Derby, with the former since winning the Prix Niel. Both have solid references over 2400m but good ground would be a bonus.

Last but not least is the Japanese representative, 5 year-old mare Through Seven Seas, whose principal claim to fame is a close second to a certain Equinox in the Gr.1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin at the end of June.

The cards have been dealt.

Who wins ? See link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsDmajXhZwI