4th Oct 2015 | Horse Racing
Stepper Point Well Drawn
Ideally drawn for an early pace horse and Pat Smullen won on him back in July.
The Prix De L’Abbaye (3.40 Longchamp) is always my favourite race on Arc weekend. Not only do we get to see the fastest 5f horses in Europe but it’s also a cracking betting heat.
What makes the race exciting, like many sprints, is that the best horse doesn’t always win. Sole Power has been the best 5f horse for several seasons but the race still eludes him.
The key to winning is early pace and a low draw. Tangerine Trees and Gilt Edge Girl were never world beaters but both won this race thanks to blistering early speed and a good starting stall.
Stepper Point falls into the same category. He won a Group 2 at the Curragh in July and has placed in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot.
Although his recent form has been poor, he’s had excuses (broke a blood vessel at York) and reunited with Pat Smullen he could make all from stall 1.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 08:55 4th Oct, 2015 but subject to change