The 16 confirmed entries all stood their ground this morning as declarations were finalised for Europe’s most prestigious middle distance prize, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Last year’s winner Daryz heads the challengers for Francis Henri-Graffard. The last colt to win the race back-to-back was Alleged in 1978. Daryz has had a near-flawless campaign in his preparation for the grand finale. He landed the Prix Ganay on reappearance, prior to taking the Prix Aga Khan IV (formerly Prix d’Ispahan). After a blip in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, he returned to form when a comfortable winner of the Prix Foy.
Connections have also declared Varandir, who in another year, could be a lot closer to the fore of the market. He was three from three earlier this year, prior to a close fourth in the Grand Prix de Paris. He returned with success in the Prix Niel, equaling Daryz’s best RPR of 119 going into last year’s Arc.
Leading British hopes Maltese Cross and Kalpana were also declared as expected. The former, already a course and distance winner, looks to give William Haggas a belated first Arc prize. The latter has taken her form to a new level this season, developing a winning attitude she had previously lacked.
Aidan O’Brien has declared three in his bid to win his first Arc since Found in 2016. Last year’s runner up Minnie Hauk returned to form last time out when third in the Yorkshire Oaks, and appears to be coming back to the boil. Benvenuto Cellini took a backwards step when fifth over course and distance last time out. However, the yard was under a cloud then, and his King George third brings him strongly into contention. Diamond Necklace’s unbeaten run came to an end in Deauville last time out, but again, the yard wasn’t exactly firing. Already a dual course winner, she has to be respected if improving for the trip.
Bay City Roller was declared despite the prospect of quicker going but may need to pull out more to reverse the Daryz form.
Joseph O’Brien has had a remarkable season including winning two Classics, and he sends Oaks heroine Thundering On.
John Gosden remains winless in the race since Enable in 2018, but he has a good chance to retain it with Friendly Soul. Following 594 days off the track after her Prix de l’Opera win, she set herself up well with a gutsy Prix Vermeille success.
Saddadd bids to emulate Torquator Tasso, who won the Arc following the Preis von Baden in 2021.
Bright Light was third there and isn’t discounted. Chestnut Rocket has plenty to find on the figures, and Arrow Eagle, a half brother to 2023 Arc winner Ace Impact, would need a strong test of stamina to be competitive.
The Japanese challengers appear in the form of Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra as they continue in search of their first Arc.