Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
It’s strange to say this about the Arc but it’s all about Enable to bids for a record-breaking third Arc win in a row. John Gosden’s star mare is now unbeaten in her last twelve starts and has had a much better preparation this season compared to last year so in truth, it’s hard to see her getting beaten.
Most each-way punters will be rowing in behind Japan who looks the strongest of the Aidan O’Brien trained duo. He coped with the drop back in trip to land the Juddmonte and looks the most likely to chase home Enable.
Ghaiyyath really announced himself as an Arc contender when winning the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden by 14 lengths in September. That was his first run since April so you’d imagine there would be further improvement to come and he should run well.
The consistent Waldgeist shouldn’t be underestimated as he finished just behind Enable in fourth in the race last year. He’s already won the Prix Ganay and Prix Foty this year and could prove to be each-way value.
Selection: Waldgeist – E/W
Prix de L’Opera
It could be quite a Sunday for John Gosden as he also trains the two leading fancies for this Group 1 contest with Mehdaayih and Terebellum. Frankie would have had the pick and has sided with Mehdaayib who ran in the Oaks earlier in the season and wasn’t dar behind Deirdre in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood and a reproduction of that would suffice.
Mehdaayi (Right)
Terebellum jas only run three times and already has a Group 2 victory to her name. It’s hard to gauge the strength of that form and I’d be looking elsewhere.
Freddy Head’s With You finished fourth in this race last year behind Wild Illusion and although this might be a lesser renewal a similar fate lies in wait for her.
Selection: Mehdaayib
Prix de l’Abbaye
This race is all about the speedster Battaash who only finished fourth in this race last season but has been a different proposition this year. He’s won three of his four starts and was scintillating in the Nunthorpe last time out and can add another Group 1 to his CV.
Battaash
Last season’s winner Mabs Cross is back to defend her crown. She’s been running well all season without winning but has course form and warrants respect.
Fairyland’s victory in the Flying Five at the Curragh on Champions weekend came as somewhat of a surprise but she’s got the speed to be competitive and looks more like a sprinter rather than a miler.
Selection: Mabs Cross – E/W
Prix de la Foret
this is one of the few Group 1 races in Europe run over seven furlongs which can be a specialist distance. So let’s start with last season’s winner One Master who was a 33/1 shot then. Five of her six runs since then have been in Group 1 company so it’s no surprise hse hasn’t added to that success and showed plenty ability last time out. This is her first start back over seven and shouldn’t be underestimated.
City Light tops the market having won nicely over the course and distance last month. That was undoubtedly a nice performance but I don’t think he should be so short in the market.
Safe Voyage has enjoyed a fantastic season and excels over this trip. Although he was slightly disappointing in the Hungerford in August. This would require a creer best performance but he has nothing to lose.
David Elsworth’s Sir Dancealot is another that loves the seven-furlong trip and showcased tat by winning the Group 2 Hird Rail Stakes at Doncaster. He also won the Lennox earlier in the season but may want the ground slightly quicker.
Selection: One Master
