The feature race the ITV Racing cameras will be showing at Longchamp is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. It’s maybe not the best renewal we’ve ever seen, but it’s wide open.
12.55 Longchamp – Simmering (Win)
I think Simmering has a good chance of running well here. She ran a good race when she finished second in the Moyglare Stakes at the Curragh last month. That form has been advertised by the winner, Lake Victoria, as she won the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket last month. Moreover, the daughter of Too Darn Hot should handle the ground, as she won at Deauville on testing conditions. She shouldn’t be underestimated, and I think she’ll give Zarigana to think about.
1.30 Longchamp – Rashabar (Win)
Rashabar should be the favourite, in my opinion. His win in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot is the best piece of form in this race, as it’s been boosted several times, especially in recent weeks. The likes of Cool Hoof Luke and Symbol Of Honour have both won Group races since that meeting. We’ve not seen the son of Holy Roman Emperor since he finished second at Deauville in the Prix Morny, but that’s not a worry. I think the step up to 7f will suit, and I think he’s the one they’ve all got to beat.
2.05 Longchamp – Desperate Hero EW
I think there could be an upset on the cards here, and that’s why I’m going to side with Desperate Hero. The four-year-old gelding has rapidly improved from nowhere this season and has come up through the handicap ranks. He’s not proven at Group 1 level, but I thought he put up a respectable effort at the Curragh when he finished sixth in the Flying Five Stakes. This race usually goes to horses that are drawn low and that are on the pace, which is usually the way he likes to be ridden. The ground shouldn’t be a problem, and I can see him throwing his hat in the ring.
3.20 Longchamp – Al Riffa EW
Originally I liked Bluestocking and Fantastic Moon for the Arc, but I’ve gone off them now. The one I am warming to is Al Riffa for Joseph O’Brien. He looks like he’s been lined up for this race all season, and he’s going to be a huge player. The last time we saw him, he won a Group 1 in Germany, and the time before that, he came second in the Eclipse Stakes behind City Of Troy. That’s arguably one of the best lines of form coming into this race. Even last year, he ran a respectable race, behind Arc winner Ace Impact, so he’s always shown a high level of ability. The ground should be fine, and I think he’s got more to offer over these kind of distances. For me, he shouldn’t be underestimated.
4.05 Longchamp – Ylang Ylang (Win)
Finally, I think we’re going to see Ylang Ylang over the right trip. Last time out, she finished fourth in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Irish Champions weekend, where she stayed on well inside the final furlong. That race was over 1m, and she looked to get outpaced at a crucial stage. This 1m2f distance should be right up her street, and I think this has been her autumn target. We’ve not seen her too much this year, but she looks like a filly who likes ease in the ground. I’m expecting her to go really close here.
