Arc De Triomphe Preview

Sarafina - 4/1 (Boylesports)
Her whole season has been geared to gaining compensation for the race last year. Almost brought down around the bend, she flew home in the straight to take a luckless third. She has won her last three starts, including over course and distance last time out. Has a favourite’s chance but no more than that.

So You Think - 5/1 (Betfred)
Lived up to the hype in the Coral Eclipse after winning a thrilling battle with Workforce. Held in such high regard, he would walk this race on reputation alone. The step up in trip might be a concern, but he did finish third in a Melbourne Cup so stamina should not be an issue. Very hard to cut through the talk, but it would be no surprise if he won.

Galikova - 8/1 (Bet365)
Has only tasted defeat once in 2011 when found to be in season. Otherwise there is plenty to like about this tough, reliable half-sister to Goldikova. She won the Prix Vermeille in impressive fashion and follows the same route as 2008 Arc champion Zarkava.

Workforce - 9/1 (Blue Square)
The defending champion arrives on the back of an identical preparation to last year, not necessarily good news. He will have to put another poor King George performance behind him but he is capable of that. Having only won once this season, a weak Group 3 race in May, I would have wanted to see better form before backing him.

Reliable Man - 12/1 (Bet365)
Winner of the Prix Neil, one of the most reliable Arc trials. Although his winning time was 0.15 seconds slower than Sarafina’s on the same card, his was run at a slower early pace. His finishing burst was most impressive and he should be respected in what will be a faster run race.

Meandre - 12/1 (Bet365)
Winner of the Grand Prix De Paris in July, he would have a good chance if repeating that form. A disappointing second in the Prix Neil tempers enthusiasm, although a virus in the yard was offered as an excuse.

Snow Fairy - 14/1 (Coral)
A excellent filly with four Group One victories to her name. None of them have come this season, with no win of any sort. She is slowly building up to a big performance but doubt it will be good enough.

Hiruno D’Amour - 14/1 (Bet365)
Only a short neck behind Sarafina on his European debut puts him in contention but he lacked the change of gear in the last two furlongs, to be expected from a Group One winner over two miles. If the race is run at a solid gallop, he certainly has place claims.

Masked Marvel - 16/1 (Coral)
Supplement after winning the St. Leger in a course record time. He clearly has the pace for 1m4f as the race at Doncaster was conducted at a ferocious gallop. I’d be concerned that such a big run could leave a mark.

Danedream - 20/1 (Bet365)
A class act, winning her last two races by wide margins in Germany. Pundits will predictably crab the form, and she has 1.5 lengths to make up on Testosterone on their meeting in June. That was a long time ago and it is fair to assume this filly has improved markedly. Don’t underestimate.

Nakayama Festa - 33/1 (Betfred)
Runner-up last year he has struggled with injury this season. He has raced once in almost 10 months, not an ideal preparation for such a strong race.

St. Nicholas Abbey - 33/1 (Paddy Power)
A wining return to Group One company in the Coronation Cup suggested he could finally fulfuil the potential he showed as a two-year-old.  He failed to build on that in the King George and was well beaten by Sarafina three weeks ago. I cannot see him turning around the form in such a short space of time.

Treasure Beach - 40/1 (Betfred)
Winner of the Irish Derby, that form hasn’t worked out particularly well since, the same can be said of the Epsom Derby where he finished second. A good win in the United States puts him closer to the level needed to win an Arc and he is not out of it if he gets a soft lead.

Shareta - 100/1 (Boylesports)
Well held by Galikova and possible pace-setter with the aim of setting the race up for Reliable Man.

Testosterone - 100/1 (Boylesports)
Again well beaten by Galikova and no reason why she can turn around the form.

Silver Pond - 150/1 (Boylesports)
Yet to win at the highest level and already well held by Sarafina this season.