Arc weekend gets underway
On the eve of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the highlight of a hugely anticipated weekend that has been months in the making for racing professionals, ParisLongchamp will already be buzzing. Nine races, including six Group contests, make up the card on Saturday, 3 October, with three Group 1s taking centre stage.
Among the afternoon’s highlights, the Qatar Prix de Royallieu (Group 1), at 4.25pm, will put the fillies and mares in the spotlight. Sunly will be one of France’s leading hopes as she bids for a first Group 1 success. Her target could, however, have been very different, as Francis-Henri Graffard’s filly was also in contention for the Arc the following day. Her connections ultimately opted for the 2,800m Royallieu, where she looks to have a strong chance.
At 5.00pm, attention turns to one of the great staying contests, the Qatar Prix du Cadran (Group 1). Over the demanding 4,000m, Irish raider Scandinavia, the current European champion over long distances, will make his eagerly awaited French debut. Unbeaten in his last eight starts, the stayer will attempt to extend his remarkable winning streak and secure a fourth Group 1. However, Britain’s Caballo del Mar will be determined to stop him. The defending champion, who is particularly effective at Longchamp, will bid to retain his crown.
Already in the spotlight at Saint-Cloud the previous day with two top-level contests, Purebred Arabians will once again enjoy a prominent place on Saturday’s card. At 2.33pm, the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (Group 1 PA) will bring together some of the best four-year-old Purebred Arabian fillies. Fakhira will look to maintain her momentum and claim a third Group 1, further enhancing an already impressive record at this early stage of her career.
The action starts at 1.23pm
The first Group race of the day comes straight away. At 1.23pm, the Qatar Prix Chaudenay (Group 2) will open the nine-race card, with the three-year-olds tackling 3,000m. Amy Murphy will be well represented by Jabracadabra and Victoire Magique, both winners on their latest starts. The pair underline the excellent season enjoyed by the British trainer, who recently relocated to France.
At 1.58pm, the Qatar Prix Dollar (Group 2) takes over, featuring Phinéas, whose season continues to gather momentum. Having successfully stepped up through the ranks, the colt now faces a new challenge as he takes on older horses. It will be an interesting test for a horse who has continued to raise the bar throughout the season.
At 3.50pm, the two-year-olds take centre stage in the Arqana Series – Haras de Bouquetot Critérium d’Automne, worth €260,000. Master Man will attempt to record a second success in the series following his victory at Deauville this summer.
Finally, at 5.35pm, the fillies and mares could prove a major threat to the colts and horses in the Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein (Group 2). Anakova, highly impressive on her latest appearance at Chantilly, has been supplemented for the race and heads there with strong claims. Fallen Angel adds further strength to the field, having already won five Group 1 races.