Another fair Parisian day in store as the going at Longchamp today for their Arc Trials is official given as good this morning. There are three major Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Trials which may throw up contenders to both Hurricane Lane and Tarnawa in the market.
Frankie Dettori travels over to take the first choice mounts for Aidan O’Brien, with Ryan Moore at the Curragh.
1.33pm – Qatar Prix Niel
The Niel sees the best French colt Pretty Tiger take on the Epsom Derby flop, Bolshoi Ballet. O’Brien’s Bolshoi Ballet rescued his reputation in the Belmont Derby in July but then came unstuck in warmer company at Saratoga. The ground is in his favour but at 5/4 he may not be the most resolute stayer and connections are likely to have an eye on the Breeders Cup. Pretty Tiger has 3lb to find on ratings for Fabrice Vermeulen but this will be his eighth start of the season and it must be a concern that he found handicapper Dubai Honour too good at Deauville last month.
Bubble Gift will stay well but has been off since July, which Timour and Media Stream are both horses we surely have not seen the best of yet.
This looks a trappy contest that will almost certainly have no bearing on the Arc, given that Adayar is no longer taking his chance here.
2.55pm – Qatar Prix Vermeille
The stopwatches will be out this afternoon as punters try to assess and potentially pick holes in Oaks winner Snowfall, who is priced up at 2/7 for the Vermeille. She is well clear of Diane winner Joan Of Arc on ratings, who some might fancy to chase her home – backed into 9-1 from 12-1 already this morning. Teona has long been well-touted and will likely be racing with Burgarita for a minor place.
4.30pm – Qatar Prix Foy
The complexion of the Foy has changed several times and we will be seeing 2020 Champion Stakes runner-up Skalleti take his chance for Calas trainer Jerome Reynier. Skalleti has never run over 12 furlongs before, which might be hard to believe, but its bodes well that his full brother Skazino has been winning over just shy of two miles this season and is one of the favourites for the Prix du Cadran next month. Add to that the likely slow pace in here and Skalleti begins to look attractive at 6/4.
Broome looked to have stolen the Group One at Saint-Cloud and was put in his place in the King George. He has been backed into 3-1 by those who think Skalleti might not stay and is more effective on softer ground. International raiders Deep Bond (9/2) and Opasan (20/1) are other chances here, whilst the reports are positive about the gelded Iresine (15/2) too.
Another tough race to unravel.
