Daryz ensured the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe return to home soil as he defeated Minnie Hauk in the race last season. A winner of three of his four starts this season, the British and Irish challengers will have to conjure up something special to beat the reigning champion.
The main British hope is Derby runner-up Maltese Cross, who’s unbeaten after his Epsom exploits. William Haggas’ yet to add the Arc to his illustrious CV, with Sea Of Class coming the closest in 2018. Maltese Cross has very little negatives surrounding him, and could belatedly bring the coveted trophy to Somerville Lodge. His form figures this season read 11211, with the sole defeat coming in unfavourable circumstances in the Derby. He landed the Grand Prix De Paris over course and distance next time out, gamely fended off Ancient Egypt. He confirmed that with success in the Great Voltigeur, reversing the Derby form with Christmas Day.
Juddmonte landed the Arc twice with Enable, and Kalpana has every chance to repeat that success for her owners following a strong season. The Study Of Man mare had often been the bridesmaid at the top level, particularly against her own sex. However, this season, she’s blossomed under Colin Keane and remained consistent throughout. She landed the Aston Park Stakes on seasonal debut when not fully wound up, and was agonisingly beaten in the Hardwicke Stakes next time out. She made no mistake next time when running a career best effort to beat Calandagan in the King George. Kalpana backed that up to take the Yorkshire Oaks, a race that’s been a successful step toward the Arc.
Diamond Necklace is one of three for Aidan O’Brien and bids to redeem her shock defeat last time out. The St Mark’s Basilica filly looked bombproof until then, with a perfect six from six. She picked up where she left off in Group 1 company last season, taking the French 1000 Guineas in style. She landed the Prix de Diane thereafter, before a dominant display in the Nassau Stakes. Her progress halted when a below par second back at Deauville, albeit at a time where the yard was under a cloud. O’Brien hasn’t won the Arc since Found in 2016, but a return to form from this filly shouldn’t be written off.
Joseph O’Brien has had a tremendous season even by his standards, and an Arc would be the cherry on top. Thundering On was one of the most impressive Oaks winners in recent years, but that form has taken several knocks. She failed to land the Pretty Polly next time out, though was found coughing afterwards. She confirmed herself as a smart filly when reappearing to land the Blandford Stakes, and that should set her up nicely for this test.
Bay City Roller’s chances largely hinge on whether the heavens open enough to veer toward the soft side. Connections have said they are happy to swerve the race should conditions be unsuitable. However, if granted suitable going, then the New Bay colt would have to be strongly considered. He was a devastating 10 length winner of the Coronation Cup following his Tattersall’s Gold Cup second. He was just under two lengths behind Daryz in the Prix Foy, both using that as a prep for the Arc, and he mightn’t be far away again.