The Neighsayers - L’arc De Triomphe Preview

Bonjour, arguably the most famous flat race in the world is ran this weekend and @ElliotWhite5 has done the honours of a runner by runner breakdown. Here’s what he’s got to say;

Arc Runner by Runner

Sisfahan-Henk Grewe

Ironically for a German bred horse I don’t think this lad wants a bog, his best form has been shown on better ground (Beaten 3 lengths by last years winner Alpinista). Although this years ground could suit him he is massively outclassed and rightfully around the rag of the field.

Haya Zark-Adrien Fouassier

Another that will be challenging to be outsider of the field, no chance.

Onesto-Fabrice Chappet

Showed a lot of promise last season as a 3 year winning the Grand Prix de Paris before coming second in the Irish Champion. Although this form didn’t work out brilliant he did catch the eye on seasonal reappearance this year over a trip short of his best but this would take a big step up even on his best form. He could run better than his odds of 50/1 suggest but he wouldn’t be a bet for me.

Simica Mille-Stephane Wattel

Has improved this season even picking up a Group 1 last time out but he wouldn’t be for me and I imagine he will just be outclassed.

Bay Bridge-Sir Michael Stoute

After a lacklustre start to the season managed to get his head infront at his first time tackling 12F. Although he won well I wouldn’t be taking this as concrete evidence that he really wants the trip now. For me his best chance would be of they didn’t go too hard infront which can often be the case in France.

Westover-Ralph Beckett

Polar opposite to my comments on Bay Bridge Westover will need them to go a million on the front end for him to be seen to best effect. Although he did give Hukum a proper race in the King George I would think Hukum will confirm the form on Sunday.

Hukum-Owen Burrows

To me Hukum is the most solid horse in this race, will not mind any ground or pace.Having missed most of last season through injury he now seems to be in the peak of his career at the age of 6. Although the form of beating Desert Crown after they’d both been off for a long time can be knocked, the King George win cements him as the best 12F colt in England. The draw has slightly hindered his chance but atleast we’re being compensated with the price at 13/2 with 4 places each way (William Hill).

Place Du Carrousel-Andre Fabre

Last season’s surprise l’Opera winner has shown some fair form this season but this looks a step too far, couldn’t see her being good enough,

Through Seven Seas-Tomohito Ozeki

I’d be lying to you if I said I knew a great deal about this horse without looking, I think some people are getting a little carried away with the form of his neck second to Equinox last time out. If you watch the race although Through seven seas had trouble in running,Equinox circled the full field of 17 around the bend he was value for lengths. I think Japan will be waiting at least one more year to get their hands on the Arc.

Free Wind-John and Thady Gosden

Hasn’t quite proved to be the filly I thought she could be after last year’s Haydock win, although last time out was probably up there with her best performances. I couldn’t write her off completely but her current odds are probably a little skinny on what she’s achieved due to the Frankie factor.

Mr Hollywood-Henk Grewe

Another horse I didn’t know a great deal about in honesty til the last week or so. He seems to have become a bit of a twitter shrewds horse thinking he’s the next Torquator Tasso but he’s held on form by a couple of these and definitely wouldn’t be for me.

Feed The Flame-Pascal Bary

Last seen finishing second to Fantastic moon in the Niel, this can probably be marked up as he came from a long way back. Although I wouldn’t say he deserves to be shorter in the market for this than Fantastic Moon.

Ace Impact Jean-Claude Rouget

Almost certain to go off fav this son of Cracksman has been a revelation this season in France, most notably flying home to win the Jockey Club in great style. Drawn well in stall 8 the only potential negative for me is his unproven stamina at the trip, his sire did win over 12f but I always thought the 10f was his optimum trip. Although I respect his chances he would not be a bet for me at the current price.

Fantastic Moon-Sarah Steinberg

The best of the Germans this colt quickened well when beating the aforementioned Feed the flame over C&D last time out. His previous defeat was to Nations Pride where the opposing jockeys handed him the race on a plate, so for me that can be forgiven especially after running on well over an inadequate trip. Prior to that run he bolted up in the German derby, the draw could’ve been kinder (Stall 12) but I wouldn’t write him off at all, current price probably slightly skinny but he could become an ew bet on the day if he were to drift to 14/16s.

Continuous-Aidan O'Brien

Now into second Fav in places after the draw I’m going to put my balls on the line (and potentially look an idiot) and say I could not have him at all, currently 6/1 I genuinely wouldn’t take 16s if offered. I think this years renewal of the St.Leger was absolute garbage. He needs to have improved at least a stone for me on his royal ascot second to King of steel for him to stand any chance in this.