ParisLongchamp – Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe – Day 1

Bonjour, everyone!

We are delighted to be bringing this article to you live from the Hippodrome ParisLongchamp, on the weekend of the 101st Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. It is our 2nd Arc, and although we have seen some comments saying it is not the most exciting Arc; that could not be further from the truth. Exciting 3-year-old colts Luxembourg and Vadeni, mixing it up with last year’s winner Torquator Tasso and the star mare Alpinista, amongst other worthy contenders from the home team, and indeed overseas in the case of Titleholder et al.

Looking to today, however, and the two standout races are the Qatar Prix de Royallieu (14:33) and the Qatar Prix du Cadran (16:25). The Prix de Royallieu is the only chance we will get to see last year’s Melbourne Cup heroine Verry Elleegant this weekend, as the mare was involved in a high-profile, some would say controversy, regarding her non-participation in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The Prix Foy 3rd will bid to get her maiden European win in the race over 2,800m (1m 6f), but faces stiff competition from both the home team and other international raiders. Sea La Rosa was a good winner of the Group 2 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Glorious Goodwood over the same trip, however the only stumbling block may come from the ground. With very soft being the official going, it may pay to look towards Ottilien at 25-1. The David Menusier trained filly relishes softer conditions, and with a 1m 6f trip sure to suit, it would be no surprise if she outran her odds and took this prize under jockey Olivier Peslier.

The Qatar Prix du Cadran looks sure to be a cracker, with ourselves personally looking forward to seeing Ascot Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup and Irish St Leger winner Kyprios in Action. Back in June, I would not have said he would be a candidate for a Gold Cup, having not run at the trip. Since then, however, he has proved me so wrong. Staying is his game, however if he were to take this prize under Ryan Moore, he needs to fend off Quickthorn, Princess Zoe and Tashkhan. The former, a brilliant winner in the Lonsdale Cup at York last time out, will have to show his stamina even more, and with soft ground not potentially to his liking, the admirable Princess Zoe is sure to give another bold bid. Winner of this race in 2020, she has performed admirably in the top staying races this year, however the very soft going might see a shock in Tashkhan gaining a deserved Group 1. Well beaten at York behind Quickthorn, the ground and distance probably is not to his liking, and under Ben Robinson, can give trainer Brian Ellison a very big international prize.

Right, off to do some shots around the grandstand, let’s get this show on the road! If you are coming to Paris this weekend, have a safe and wonderful time!

All the best,

Jack and Tom Williams.

JTW Equine Images.