On top of the loaded Breeders’ Cup prep weekend stateside, five more “Win and You’re In” events are set for ParisLongchamp on Sunday.
The crown jewel of them all, the 103rd Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), furnishes a gilt-edge pass to the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), while two-year-olds, sprinters, and distaffers compete for tickets in their respective divisions.
For detailed analysis, see the Arc storylines piece over on the TwinSpires.com Edge.
The action kicks off at 7:55 a.m. (all times ET) with the Prix Marcel Boussac (G1), a Breeders’ Cup Challenge event associated with the Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).
Zarigana, a granddaughter of the great Zarkava, is odds-on to emulate her in this metric mile affair. The Aga Khan homebred has exuded Zarkava’s vibe in her first two starts, including a comprehensive score in the course-and-distance Prix d’Aumale (G3). Aidan O’Brien is double-handed with Bedtime Story, seeking a rapid rebound from her flop in the Moyglare Stud (G1), and the consistent placegetter Exactly. British interest comes in the form of two-time Group victress Simmering, most recently runner-up in the Moyglare.
The Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1), the second race at 8:30 a.m., plays a dual role as a Juvenile Turf (G1) “Win and You’re In” and a scoring race on the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby.
The center of gravity lies with the British and Irish raiding parties, led by Solario (G3) winner Field of Gold from the John and Thady Gosden yard and Ballydoyle’s Henri Matisse, who lost his perfect record when a wayward second in the Vincent O’Brien National (G1). Henri Matisse adds blinkers in hopes of getting his act together. Stablemate Camille Pissarro has been a frustrating type to follow, while the Brian Meehan-trained Rashabar could be the value of the main players as the Prix Morny (G1) runner-up. Houquetot won the course-and-distance prep, the Prix La Rochette (G3), but unbeaten Prix des Chenes (G3) hero Misunderstood appears the best of the home defense.
The Prix de l’Abbaye (G1), the third race at 9:05 a.m., features the leading five-furlong specialist in Europe, Bradsell. The Archie Watson trainee has already pocketed two Turf Sprint (G1) passes via the Nunthorpe (G1) and the Flying Five (G1), and he bids to make it three on Sunday.
Believing, runner-up to Bradsell in her past two, will try to turn the tables with a potentially better draw. Fellow British shippers Starlust, Rogue Lightning, Kerdos, and No Half Measures can also get involved in a typically frenetic dash. O’Brien’s Aesop’s Fables, a close third in last year’s Abbaye and Turf Sprint, has a sneaky look in his second start off the layoff.
After a Purebred Arabian interlude, the Arc itself is set as the fifth race at 10:20 a.m. French sophomore colts Sosie and Look de Vega had been leading the market, but money is pouring in on Ballydoyle’s Irish Derby (G1) star Los Angeles.
Yoshito Yahagi’s Shin Emperor has also turned heads with his third in the Irish Champion (G1). Although representing Japan in its ongoing quest for glory in Paris, Shin Emperor is a French-bred full brother to 2020 Arc champion Sottsass.
Among the older horses, Joseph O’Brien’s Al Riffa, Juddmonte’s supplemented filly Bluestocking, Andre Fabre’s battle-hardened Mqse de Sevigne, German champion Fantastic Moon, and Ballydoyle second-stringer Continuous have claims. Aventure, who nearly upset Bluestocking in an excellent Prix Vermeille (G1), brings the enticing three-year-old filly angle into play.
The Prix de l’Opera (G1), the sixth race at 11:05 a.m., provides a berth in the Filly & Mare Turf (G1).
Irish 1000 Guineas (G1) queen Fallen Angel and Ballydoyle’s Group 1 veteran Ylang Ylang are fascinating players in their first attempt at about 1 1/4 miles. Respectively second and fourth in the Matron (G1) last out, both have a license to move forward. Ylang Ylang’s stablemate Content, coming off a WAYI Yorkshire Oaks (G1) victory, and Prix de Diane (French Oaks) (G1) winner Sparkling Plenty, a better-than-appears sixth in the Vermeille, revert in trip. Blandford (G2) heroine Hanalia and Prix du Prince d’Orange (G3) runner-up Start of Day could hold their own at this level.
The Prix de la Foret (G1), the seventh race at 11:40 a.m. ET, isn’t part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series, but the about seven-furlong test routinely serves up Mile (G1) clues.
Prix du Moulin (G1) surprise Tribalist and classic-placed filly Ramatuelle are prepping for Del Mar in this spot. Old warrior Kinross, the 2022 Foret winner who was dethroned last year by Kelina, proved that he’s still got it when bolting up in the Park (G2) in his latest. The gallant Tiber Flow and City of York (G2) shocker Breege arrive in winning form as well. Of the French, erstwhile celebrity Big Rock finally showed a spark of his former self when third in the Woodbine Mile (G1), and Beauvatier might jump up back at perhaps his optimal distance.
