14:20 ParisLongchamp
Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Group 1)
Flat
• 2399m
• €5,000,000
• 16
C
4 yrs
6-1820
Failed to confirm his Prince of Wales's S. run when 11th of 13, behind BLUESTOCKING (7), in 2500m Juddmonte International at York on 21 August. Has had time to get his house in order, has the rail, and is due some redemption
Ecurie Benaroussi Sofiane
€418,432
C
5 yrs
0-1132
Prix Ganay winner that most recently ran 2nd of 7 in a 2000m Gr.3 here a month ago. William Buick in the saddle this time but still no more than a minor place prospect
Mme O Fau
€438,992
C
4 yrs
-29121
11th of 15 in 2023 edition but a different horse this season, latterly winning 2400m Gr.1 Grosser Preis von Baden at Iffezheim on 1 September. Cannot be considered a priority but breaks from 2-hole and will generate some interest
Liberty Racing 2021
€863,853
C
4 yrs
22-4621
Gr.1 winner at 2 that had not confirmed until running out 5L winner of 2400m Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten on 11 August. Yutaka Take called up for the ride and, knowing Longchamp well will only work in his favour
Masaaki Matsushima/al Rif
€739,748
C
4 yrs
461161
Useful stayer that smartly won 3500m Gr.3 Prix Gladiateur here early last month. Adores the venue but seems to be biting off more than he can chew
Oti Management Pty Ltd
€261,765
C
4 yrs
115-513
Has only won once since lifting last year's St. Leger, most recently 3rd of 5 in 2400m Prix Foy 3 weeks ago, but forced to break wide, and faces a very stiff test
Smith/magnier/tabor/weste
€987,334
F
4 yrs
2-11241
High-class mare that won Pretty Polly Stakes late-June and most recently repeated with a courageous 2400m Gr.1 Prix Vermeille success here mid-September. Up against the colts this time but still has a good hand to play
Juddmonte Farms Ltd
€1,338,329
F
5 yrs
2-1111
Comes into her first 2400m start off back of 3 straight Gr.1 victories, latterly winning 2000m Gr.1 Prix Jean Romanet on 18 August. Handed a shocker of a draw but 8-times Arc winner, Andre Fabre, knows what it takes
Baron Ed De Rothschild
€1,029,981
C
3 yrs
1-113
Sent for a break after dominating the Jockey-Club but lacklustre 3rd of 5 to SOSIE (13) in 2400m Prix Niel on re-entry 3 weeks ago. Must be forgiven that run and can be backed with confidence this time. Chance
Al Shaqab Racing
€900,016
C
3 yrs
2-2533
Full-brother to 2020 Arc winner Sottsass. 3rd in Japanese Derby before repeating in 2000m Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on first start outside of Japan. Draw not a problem. Attention
S Fujita
€742,958
C
3 yrs
527243
Well-related Gr.1 winner at 2. Finished 4th, but placed 3rd, in 2900m Gr.1 St. Leger at Doncaster 3 weeks ago. Drew the 15-spot but rain on Sunday would do his prospects no disservice
Guy Pariente H & Qatar R
€600,181
C
3 yrs
11132
Late-developer that ran a good 2nd to SOSIE (13) in Prix Niel mid-September. Will have progressed for the run and is not incapable of adding a 3rd Arc to the Rouget belt
Mme S Magnier
€171,830
C
3 yrs
2-1311
1.5L winner of 2400m Gr.2 Prix Niel 3 weeks ago. Won his first Gr.1 after running 3rd in Jockey-Club, has not looked back since, and will be competitive for the win
Wertheimer & Frere
€650,160
C
3 yrs
1-13114
Irish Derby winner that was by no means disgraced when 4th of 8, a place behind SHIN EMPEROR (10), in 2000m Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown 3 weeks ago. Excels over 2400m and will have his chances
Westerberg/magnier/tabor/
€1,358,182
F
3 yrs
-33217
Failed to confirm her Prix de Malleret success when finishing a lacklustre 7th of 12 behind BLUESTOCKING (7) in 2400m Gr.1 Prix Vermeille here mid-September, and is unlikely to spring a surprise
China Horse Club/g Augustin-norm
€369,384
F
3 yrs
-21412
Honest filly that ran 2nd to BLUESTOCKING (7) in 2400m Gr.1 Prix Vermeille here mid-September. Beat a number of good horses that day, goes over any ground, has been handed the 4-spot, and looks an interesting outsider
Wertheimer & Frere
€361,086
Race Overview
Majestic winner of the Prix du Jockey-Club in early-June, LOOK DE VEGA (9) was clearly not himself in the Prix Niel but the Lerners have been confident about the progress he has made since and, if the case, can bring the Maisons-Laffitte-based team a maiden Arc. Winner of the Niel, 2 months after carrying off the Grand Prix de Paris, SOSIE (13), drawn 5, is a serious proposition, but so too is the similarly well-drawn BLUESTOCKING (7) who bids to become the first Vermeille-Arc winner since Treve in 2013. Jean-Claude Rouget, who won last year's edition with Ace Impact, sends out DELIUS (12) who bagged 2nd in the Niel on his first start for 2 months, and is sure to be at his peak for the occasion.
Selection:
9 - 13 - 7
