Meet three of this year’s Arc contenders ahead of Sunday’s big race at ParisLongchamp. Defending champion Daryz returns after another impressive season, while 2025 Polish Derby winner Chestnut Rocket heads to the Arc following a Listed win at Vichy and a close second in the Grand Prix de Deauville. Arrow Eagle, sixth in last year’s Arc and subsequent Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak winner, is also back for another tilt at the Paris showpiece.
Caspar Fownes has made a strong start to the new season and the 2025/26 Hong Kong Champion Trainer is aiming to keep the ball rolling on Sunday (4 October) at Sha Tin.
Fownes, now a five-time title winner in Hong Kong, has fired in five winners through the term’s first seven fixtures. The 59-year-old has trained in the city since 2003/04 after taking over from his late father Lawrie, winning 1,240 races and being renowned for handling Group 1 winners Lucky Nine, Southern Legend and The Duke, among others.
“Five wins coming off a big season (69 wins) – I’m very happy with the stable, and we should be competitive again. We’ll certainly be putting up some good numbers – where it takes us, we don’t know, but we’ll certainly be having another crack at it,” Fownes said.
The trainer’s quintet is bettered by Cody Mo (eight wins) and notorious quick-beginner Pierre Ng (eight), who top the table, while Manfred Man (seven) and David Hall (six) trail. Like Fownes, Danny Shum also has five wins.
“We’ve restructured a bit and we have quite a few new horses in there. We had a few horses last year that were pretty immature; hopefully in their second prep they can improve and add some winners to the tally,” Fownes said. “It’s very competitive now – there are so many big stables and so many have full barns, but we’ll be doing our best.”
Fownes takes six runners to Sha Tin, spearheaded by Sky Vino (115lb) in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Muk Min Ha Handicap (1650m, dirt). The gelding rises in grade following a pair of course and distance wins last season.
The 79-rated five-year-old links with Alexis Badel and comes up against Chancheng Glory (135lb), Talents Ambition (128lb), Sing Dragon (127lb), Gorgeous Win (122lb), Awesome Fluke (120lb), Definitive (115lb) and Loch Tay (115lb).
“It’s going to be a little bit rich for him running in Class 2, but he carries a nice light weight which gives him a chance to show something,” Fownes said. “There are a few really good dirt horses in the race that might be just a bit better than him.
“He’s prepared well, he’s fit and he looks good. I’m happy with him and he’ll be racing consistently because he’s that type of horse – he doesn’t know how to run a bad race.”
Alpha Strike (131lb) will attempt to secure consecutive victories for Fownes when the gelding carries an extra 11lb in the Class 3 Shing Mun Handicap (1000m).
Alpha Strike scores first-up for Caspar Fownes.
“It was a nice win. He kept running away from the outside rail, so hopefully that doesn’t happen. He’s up in weight, and Ellis (Wong) is suspended – Jimmy Orman will ride. He’s in good form and there’s no reason why he can’t be competitive again,” Fownes said.
Hong Kong International Sale graduate Corleone (134lb) resumes in the Class 3 Shek Wai Kok Handicap (1650m, dirt) after an impressive three-win 2025/26 campaign.
“Nice horse. He just trialled earlier in the week, and he’s probably got race-fitness to come. He will be improving off the run and hopefully he runs a nice race,” Fownes said.
Fownes saddles Hymnbook (119lb) in the Class 3 Chinese Recreation Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1800m). Silver Spurs and Perfect Team also represent the trainer.
Sunday’s (4 October) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Chai Wan Kok Handicap (1650m, dirt).
By Declan Schuster
Senior jockey Jimmy Wong has been maximizing his opportunities since arriving back from his Korean stint and continues his rapid ascension on the premiership following his seven winners over the two days of racing at the Selangor Turf Club last weekend.
Rising to sixth place on the jockey’s ladder with 28 winners, CC Wong has nine riding engagements on the twelve-race program this Sunday commencing with last-start winner PACIFIC SOLDIER, which remains in Class 5C company and is a chance of going back-to-back in Race 1.
WEALTHYNESS drops back to Class 5 grade in Race 2 and despite his recent failure, the gelding chalked up successive minor placings in Class 4 events prior. It will be CC Wong’s first ride on the gelding which has never missed a place in three appearances at Class 5 level.
CC Wong is currently striking at 26% overall but when he teams up with leading trainer Simon Dunderdale, that figure rises to an impressive 33%. The formidable pair combine with progressive four-year-old MEGA ACE which will be produced second-up in the 1020m Class 1 contest (Race 4). This year’s 3YO Sprint Championship winner appeared short of a run when resuming in the 1400m NZB Open Championship on September 5 and looks better suited on the distance drop. In a race that contains an abundance of early speed, MEGA ACE will be clashing with another promising type in YES MAN, which possesses a good first-up record and will also supply the speed influence for the 1020m contest. YES MAN has been sparingly raced this year with only four starts to its credit for two wins, which included the Listed Bunga Raya Vase back in January. Seven-year-old gelding, PACIFIC VAMPIRE is another with barrier speed capable of matching the opposition for early pace. However, PACIFIC VAMPIRE races best if he receives a soft lead and will have to withstand some early pressure from the likes of YES MAN and MEGA ACE which both like to roll forward at barrier rise and are best suited when able to dictate the pace.
Wong combines with Dunderdale in the 1200m Restricted Maiden (Race 6) with NAVARRE CROWN which looks hard to beat under weight-for-age conditions. NAVARRE CROWN should benefit from his recent debut which yielded a 0.75L 2nd behind STRATEGISE, which has since franked that form by winning a Class 4 contest last weekend. NAVARRE CROWN had the tendency to hang in over the concluding stages and considering his last trial was nearly two months earlier, the son of Yes Yes Yes should be more tractable at start number two.
From the recent Selangor trials, LEGENDS NEVER FADE (Trained by Lawson Moy) and SUPERPOWER (trained by Frank Maynard) are both gallopers to keep an eye on in the 1200m Class 3 contest (Race 7). LEGENDS NEVER FADE, formerly known as Denfield, was a three-time winner in Hong Kong and defeated YES MAN in an impressive trial display last month. The seven-year-old will be first-up since December and his three career victories have been recorded over the 1200m trip. SUPERPOWER is a former Australian galloper with a maiden win to its credit and is coming off a thirteen-month break. The five-year-old looked sharp in his 2.5L trial win over Mega Khan on September 8 and the stable is enjoying some success lately from limited runners, especially with recent newcomers. TO REMEMBER has been a black-booker for several weeks now and has the hoof on the till. The five-year-old has caught the eye with some fast-finishing performances, especially his last two efforts when closing off well to finish runner up over 1020m. The step up to the 1200m looks ideal and looks a big chance despite coming from the outside draw.
TRIDENT RISING is on track to maintain an unbeaten local record in the 1200m Class 3 event (Race 8). The four-year-old lived up to his impressive trial form prior and local punters jumped on board backing the former Aussie into even money favorite. TRIDENT RISING was able to stave off all challengers when leading throughout over 1200m here three weeks ago and is well drawn to score again. The danger appears to be NIMBUS STAR which is coming off successive Class 3 placings and draws deep in barrier 10. NIMBUS STAR was a Class 4 winner three starts back and has trained on well judging by his trial performance behind Selangor Mile winner Aquitaine on September 15.
The best quinella pairing for the afternoon comes up in the 1400 Class 2 contest (Race 9) where ANJOU CROWN and COME ON BANKER’S appear to be the major players. ANJOU CROWN has a good record at Class 2 level (2:1-1-0) and is coming off an encouraging 5th (beaten 1.75L) in last Sunday’s G1 Selangor Gold Cup. The five-year-old came off a six-day break when scoring in that Class 2 contest on July 11 so the short break between runs should not pose a problem. COME ON BANKER’S came with a late surge to break his Malaysian duck over 1200m here on September 5, his third start in the country. COME ON BANKER’S scored twice over 1400m in Australia and he looks a winning chance again in the same grade.
The first Grade 2 doubleheader of the new Highveld season takes centre stage at Turffontein on Saturday 3 October, with the R550,000 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge and R450,000 Betway Joburg F&M Spring Challenge providing the feature-race fireworks over 1450m on the Inside track.
Last year’s renewals produced a red-letter afternoon for Sean Tarry, who saddled both winners – Tin Pan Alley and Callmegetrix – and Tony Peter and jockey Kabelo Matsunyane have a realistic chance of matching that feat 12 months on.
Peter-trained Main Defender has unfinished business in the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge. The 2023 winner returns bidding to reclaim his title in Race 7 and, despite gate No 12, looks attractively placed to do so.
The six-year-old Pathfork gelding signalled a return to his best form when finishing a creditable third in the Grade 1 Champions Cup at the end of last season and reproducing that effort would put him right in the firing line to finally end a 553-day drought stretching back to his Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes success in March 2025. Matsunyane knows him well, and this looks a case of Main Defender’s class outweighing the draw.
Stablemate Kisshoten could strike first for the Peter-Matsunyane partnership in Race 6, the fillies and mares’ equivalent.
The versatile six-year-old Erupt mare finished second in the Grade 2 Gold Bracelet over 2000m at the end of last season after an excellent sixth in the Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes over 1600m on July day, where she was beaten just 3.95 lengths despite starting from the widest draw.
Her earlier Standside victory over 1400m is the key pointer. The return to 1450m should present no problem after a 69-day break, and if she reproduces her best form, Kisshoten has every chance of delivering the first half of a Peter-Matsunyane feature double.
With that in mind, the same combination could enjoy a Pick 3 beginning with One State in Race 5 over 1600m. This progressive son of One World has flourished since being gelded, following a 1700m maiden success by winning on his handicap debut over the same distance. There is little reason to believe his upward trajectory will be halted.
For Pick 6 players, however, the biggest question may be where to find the banker. The R500,000 carryover and likely R3-million pool add serious spice to the nine-race programme, and one dependable anchor could make all the difference between a costly permutation and a potentially life-changing dividend.
Enter Bisou Bisou. The Corne and Xander Spies-trained Querari gelding has the profile of the banker punters are looking for. A juvenile winner over 1000m and subsequent Grade 2 runner-up over 1200m, Bisou Bisou confirmed his promise by finishing a close-up third on his three-year-old return 21 days ago.
He reappears in Race 8 off the same mark and returns to the scene of that encouraging comeback. With natural improvement expected from that outing, and Craig Zackey in the saddle, Bisou Bisou has plenty going for him.
Clive Robinson
Europe’s middle-distance championship returns to ParisLongchamp on Sunday, October 4, when 16 runners contest the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m).
Defending champion Daryz heads the field for the €5 million showpiece, with Thursday’s draw strengthening his position. Stall five gives Mickael Barzalona options as the Aga Khan homebred bids to become the first male horse since Alleged in 1978 to win successive Arcs.
His latest appearance supplied the strongest evidence that he remains the horse to beat. After finishing third in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained four-year-old returned to winning form in the Prix Foy, comfortably accounting for Bay City Roller.
Yet this is far from a one-horse race. Maltese Cross brings progressive three-year-old form, Kalpana arrives as the reigning King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner, and Classic-winning fillies Thundering On and Diamond Necklace add further depth.
The draw produced contrasting fortunes for Aidan O’Brien. Ryan Moore partners Benvenuto Cellini from stall one, William Buick rides Minnie Hauk from ten, and Christophe Soumillon faces a more demanding assignment aboard Diamond Necklace from the outside gate.
Reports heading into the weekend point towards relatively quick autumn conditions, although the final going remains important.
A sound surface would suit Maltese Cross, while Bay City Roller would welcome rain. Thundering On has also shown her best with some give underfoot.
With Friendly Soul and Meisho Tabaru capable of racing prominently, the tactical picture could be lively. The key for those drawn wide will be finding cover without spending too much energy before the field turns for home.
Kalpana winning the Yorkshire OaksNumbers below are race numbers; stalls are shown separately. Assessments reflect the available form and draw.1. Daryz — Stall 5Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard | Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
The champion has won the Prix Ganay, Prix d’Ispahan and Prix Foy this season. His trial suggested the Royal Ascot defeat had left no lasting mark. Proven over this course and distance, with an economical draw, he sets the standard. Verdict: The horse to beat.2. Saddadd — Stall 9Trainer: Roger Varian | Jockey: Ray Dawson
Earned his first Group 1 in the Grosser Preis von Baden, proving himself at 2400m. That success gives him a credible staying platform, although this demands another improvement. Verdict: An interesting outsider.3. Chestnut Rocket — Stall 2Trainer: Alicja Karkosa | Jockey: Marvin Grandin
Last year’s Polish Derby winner finished second in the Grand Prix de Deauville. The inside draw helps, but he faces a considerable rise in class. Verdict: A difficult assignment.4. Admire Terra — Stall 12Trainer: Yasuo Tomomichi | Jockey: Cristian Demuro
One of two Japanese challengers, with more to prove at Group 1 level than his compatriot. Stall twelve adds another complication. Verdict: Needs a career-best performance.5. Meisho Tabaru — Stall 13Trainer: Mamoru Ishibashi | Jockey: Yutaka Take
Back-to-back Takarazuka Kinen victories establish his top-level credentials. His prominent racing style could influence the pace, but the outside draw makes securing position important. Verdict: Japan’s stronger contender.6. Arrow Eagle — Stall 14Trainer: Jean-Claude Rouget | Jockey: Ioritz Mendizabal
Sixth in last year’s Arc and third in the Grand Prix de Deauville on his latest start. Experience helps, but his recent form leaves improvement necessary. Verdict: An outsider with place ambitions.7. Bay City Roller — Stall 15Trainer: George Scott | Jockey: Oisin Murphy
The Coronation Cup winner chased home Daryz in the Prix Foy. Rain would strengthen his case, but stall fifteen makes the task harder. Verdict: More appealing if conditions soften.8. Minnie Hauk — Stall 10Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: William Buick
Last year’s runner-up has struggled to reproduce that level consistently. Third behind Kalpana in the Yorkshire Oaks offered encouragement. Verdict: Dangerous if returning to her best.9. Kalpana — Stall 6Trainer: Andrew Balding | Jockey: Colin Keane
The King George and Yorkshire Oaks winner appears stronger than when seventh here last year. Her draw provides a good opportunity to secure a comfortable passage. Verdict: A major threat to the favourite.10. Friendly Soul — Stall 7Trainer: John and Thady Gosden | Jockey: James Doyle
Made all in a record-breaking Prix Vermeille on her first attempt at 2400m. Already a Prix de l’Opéra winner here, she has clear course credentials. Verdict: A credible contender in a tougher field.11. Varandir — Stall 4Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard | Jockey: Clement Lecoeuvre
The Prix Niel winner gives the champion’s connections another serious chance. Fourth behind Maltese Cross in the Grand Prix de Paris, he remains lightly raced and well drawn. Verdict: A progressive each-way contender.12. Benvenuto Cellini — Stall 1Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: Ryan Moore
The Irish Derby winner finished third in the King George before disappointing in the Prix Niel. Moore’s booking and the inside stall add interest, but he must rebound. Verdict: Capable of better than his latest run.13. Bright Light — Stall 8Trainer: Andreas Suborics | Jockey: Benjamin Marie
Third behind Saddadd at Baden-Baden, he has Group 1 placing credentials in Germany. This field presents a substantially tougher test. Verdict: Has plenty to find.14. Maltese Cross — Stall 11Trainer: William Haggas | Jockey: Tom Marquand
The Derby runner-up subsequently won the Grand Prix de Paris and Great Voltigeur, prompting connections to target Paris rather than the St Leger. His combination of stamina and improving speed makes him a leading challenger. Verdict: The strongest three-year-old colt on recent form.15. Thundering On — Stall 3Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: Pierre-Charles Boudot
The Oaks heroine returned to winning form in the Blandford Stakes after a midsummer break. Proven stamina, a low draw and the three-year-old filly’s allowances make her dangerous. Verdict: A serious challenger, especially with some give.16. Diamond Necklace — Stall 16Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
The French 1,000 Guineas, Prix de Diane and Nassau Stakes winner brings outstanding shorter-distance form. However, her first attempt at 2400m comes from the widest stall. Verdict: Classy, with stamina and tactical questions to answer.
The Verdict
Daryz is the selection. His successful trial, proven Arc ability and favourable draw give him the most convincing overall case.
Kalpana looks the strongest older challenger, while Maltese Cross brings the progressive profile to threaten both. Varandir earns the fourth spot through his course form, improvement and inside draw.
Saturday’s Group 1 Prix de Royallieu (2800m) at ParisLongchamp will bring together a new contender and a returning champion, with Sunly switching from the Arc and Consent preparing to defend her crown.
The €300,000 contest on Saturday, October 3, provides the leading fillies and mares with a staying test on the opening day of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.
Juddmonte has opted to keep Kalpana on course for Sunday’s Arc, leaving Sunly to tackle the longer distance of the Royallieu.
Connections believe the daughter of Night Of Thunder will appreciate the additional 400m, giving her an opportunity to secure Group 1 success against her own sex.
The decision also leaves Kalpana as Juddmonte’s sole Arc representative. The Andrew Balding-trained mare has earned her place with victories in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks this season, having finished seventh behind Daryz in last year’s Arc.
For Consent, a return to ParisLongchamp could provide the ideal setting to finish her racing career.
The Sir Mark Prescott-trained four-year-old defeated Santorini Star and Rabbit’s Foot in the 2025 Royallieu, a performance that encouraged connections to consider an Arc campaign this season.
Those ambitions faded after an underwhelming return in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, but her subsequent efforts have offered more encouragement.
An improved showing at Goodwood was followed by third place in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster, suggesting she is working her way back towards the form that delivered her biggest success.
Ground conditions could be crucial. Consent is at her best with plenty of give underfoot, and connections will be hoping for rain before Saturday’s defence.
A decision on her future has yet to be finalised, although a move to the broodmare paddocks is likely after this season. Another Royallieu victory would provide a fitting farewell.
The Royallieu has developed into an important autumn target for fillies and mares, with its promotion to Group 1 and extension to 2800m in 2019 strengthening its place on Arc weekend.
Anapurna, that year’s Epsom Oaks winner, claimed the first running under the new conditions. She was followed by Wonderful Tonight in 2020, Loving Dream in 2021 and Sea La Rosa in 2022.
The race has also produced winners who went on to make their mark internationally. Daryakana won in 2009 before travelling to Hong Kong and defeating the males in the Hong Kong Vase.
More recently, Grateful secured the 2024 renewal for Aidan O’Brien. A daughter of American champion Tepin, her success added another chapter to the legacy of a mare whose victories included the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Now Sunly has the chance to add her name to that roll of honour, while Consent returns seeking a second victory on the stage that brought her finest moment.
By Scott Bailey
The Blue Point filly is on a five-race unbeaten run this season.
Blue Bolt will attempt to go one better than 12 months ago and keep her phenomenal 2026 winning run going in the BetMGM Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
Second to an on-song Fallen Angel on the Rowley Mile last year, Andrew Balding’s four-year-old has improved tenfold since, racking up a five-race unbeaten sequence that includes a win at Royal Ascot with her last three victories all coming at Group One level.
Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte, said: “The plan is the Sun Chariot and she’s in good shape and Andrew is happy with her. All being well she will be there.
“I think last year finishing second in it was her emergence into the Group One sphere and we were knocking on the door. She has done nothing but improve since then and it would be nice to go back and go one better if we can.
“As always I’m sure it will be a good race, but she has done nothing wrong all year and if she is in the same form, hopefully she will be OK.”
The Blue Point filly was one of 12 to confirm on Monday, with Ballydoyle master Aidan O’Brien entering Precise and True Love.
Another Irish raider comes in the form of Paddy Twomey’s City Of Memphis, whose only defeat this season came against Blue Bolt in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown earlier this month.
Karl Burke is also double-handed with last year’s winner Fallen Angel and Evolutionist, Atalanta Stakes winner Love Dynasty goes for Kevin Ryan and Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes victor Pina Sonata lines up for James Fanshawe.
Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Kon Tiki, the Owen Burrows-trained Calendar Girl, Moon Target, trained by Sir Mark Prescott and Ralph Beckett’s Secret Of Life complete the list.
By Adam Morgan, Press Association
Europe’s leading stayer Scandinavia could face defending champion Caballo De Mar in Saturday’s Group 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran (4000m) at ParisLongchamp, with the marathon shaping as a major attraction on the opening day of Arc weekend.
Both feature among the 11 horses currently listed for the race on Saturday, October 3, alongside Queenstown, Double Major and French Master. Scandinavia heads the betting, although ground conditions remain important to his participation.
A superb season has established Scandinavia as the horse to beat in the staying division.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained four-year-old proved his stamina with victory in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and arrives following another Group 1 success in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh on September 13.
That latest victory extended his winning sequence to eight, underlining the consistency that has accompanied his rise to the top. He defeated stablemate Queenstown, with Jan Brueghel completing a Ballydoyle sweep of the placings.
The British Champions Long Distance Cup had been his expected next target, but suitable ground could bring him to Paris instead.
Connections have indicated that a significant deterioration in conditions would make the Cadran less appealing. If he takes his chance, the return to 4000m gives him an opportunity to reproduce the stamina that carried him to Gold Cup glory.
The strongest challenge outside Ballydoyle could come from Caballo De Mar, who returns to defend the title he won last autumn.
The George Scott-trained five-year-old has already demonstrated his effectiveness at ParisLongchamp, adding the Group 1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier earlier this season to his 2025 Cadran success. Those victories give him a strong course record to bring into Saturday’s contest.
His campaign has included setbacks, but he returned to winning form in the Doncaster Cup on September 11.
Fitted with blinkers and a tongue-tie, Caballo De Mar travelled strongly under Oisin Murphy before defeating Beylerbeyi by just over a length. The performance restored momentum after disappointing efforts at Royal Ascot and York, setting him up for another attempt at the Cadran.
Stablemate Queenstown provides O’Brien with another serious contender.
The six-year-old finished third in last year’s Cadran and was runner-up to Scandinavia in the recent Irish St Leger. He brings experience of the distance and arrives with encouraging form following a winning seasonal return at the Curragh in August.
Queenstown had initially been earmarked as Ballydoyle’s main representative in Paris and remains an important part of the challenge regardless of whether Scandinavia lines up.
Among the French contenders, Double Major comes into the race after finishing second to Odemar in the Group 3 Prix Gladiateur (3100m) at ParisLongchamp on September 10.
The Christophe Ferland-trained six-year-old finished strongly that day, offering encouragement ahead of the longer test. Saturday will demand another step forward against the leading visitors.
French Master, trained by John and Thady Gosden, also remains in the current line-up, while Willie Mullins has Mr Hollywood engaged.
The other listed contenders are Wintertraum, Waldadler, Anspruch, Emmeci and Sheema’s Rose, giving the race an international field for one of the toughest assignments of the weekend.
For Scandinavia, the Cadran offers another opportunity to strengthen his standing as the season’s outstanding stayer. For Caballo De Mar, it is a return to the course where he has delivered two of his biggest victories and a chance to remind the new champion that this is familiar territory.
By Scott Bailey
Trainer Dean Smith has his runners in very good shape and star sprinter Cruise Control looks the right one in Race 7, the Betway Cradock Place Stakes over 1200m.
The seven-year-old gelding won the first leg of the Nelson Mandela Bay Polytrack Challenge over 1200m a few weeks back but was a noticeable absentee from the second leg last Friday.
Smith clearly felt the 1400m of that second leg would have stretched the Querari gelding, but it is worth noting Cruise Control has been impressive on the Polytrack.
He is no slouch on the grass either and his record is very good. He has won 16 of his 34 starts, including nine of 23 on turf, and his course-and-distance record reads one win, one second and one third from just four races.
Surprisingly, it is not stable jockey Craig Zackey aboard the gelding this time, with Callan Murray getting his first ride on him.
Cruise Control is at level weights with three of his rivals, and it is only stable companion and Zackey-ridden Astronomical Boy to whom he has to give chunks of weight.
That should make Cruise Control hard to beat.
There are only seven runners carded for this, and he faces three possible dangers.
Astronomical Boy showed talent but was unreliable when trained in the Western Cape and arrived at his current yard with a record of two wins from seven starts. The well-bred Gimmethegreenlight gelding won on his local debut.
It was a narrow win, but he was well backed, and it is interesting to note that the runner-up that day, Kwagga Blitz, did win his next start.
That win of his was over this course and distance, and the quicker they go, the more he will enjoy it, as he packs a strong late kick.
Trainer Kelly Mitchley continues to have a steady stream of winners, and she has done a very good job with Anushka’s World.
This gelding has won five of 31 starts, but his last two wins were this year and over this course and distance.
Trainer Alan Greeff’s runners must always be considered at this track, and Fairy Knight gets to represent him under Richard Fourie.
He has not been at his best of late but was still not far behind in those performances and is well suited to this track and trip.
On the day, it will probably see some more winners for the Greeff-Fourie combination, as Kleinzee will be defending an unbeaten run of six starts for the yard in Race 5.
All those wins for Greeff have been on the Polytrack, but she did win on the grass twice in the Western Cape, so she cannot be faulted on that ground.
In the last race, it might be a Greeff 1-2 finish, as the bang-in-form Wild Fig may have to dig deep to fight off Silvan Mistress.
Clive Robinson
Walker is open to keeping one eye on the Breeders’ Cup Turf later in the autumn.
It is a familiar feeling for Ed Walker as he looks to the skies and prays for rain ahead of Almaqam’s intended outing in the Qatar Racing Champion Stakes next month.
Attempting to better last year’s third in Ascot’s 10-furlong showpiece has long been on the agenda for the Tattersalls Gold Cup winner who went so close to supplementing that Curragh Group One in a titanic finish to the Juddmonte International Stakes at York last month.
Walker is open to keeping one eye on the Breeders’ Cup Turf later in the autumn, but is hopeful conditions will fall in his star colt’s favour on British Champions Day.
“At the moment it feels like if he retires it will rain for five years and it’s just brutal,” said Walker.
“We had the option of the Arc but it was never really going to be his race and the Champion Stakes is like his Derby. We just need a bit of luck and he deserves a bit of luck.
“We’ll have to weigh it up and we have the Breeders’ Cup Turf as a plan B but we will run him at Ascot on good, it would have to be good to firm not to run. We just know he can win it on good to soft – he could even win it on good, but a bit of dig in the ground would see him hard to beat.”
Another of Walker’s aces, Ten Bob Tony, will also be in action on October 17 when the Queen Anne winner returns to the scene of his Royal Ascot heroics for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes having finished second in the Prix du Moulin last time.
Walker continued: “He’s A1 for the QEII touch wood and conditions wouldn’t overly bother him. I would probably question a mile on really heavy ground but he’ll run there regardless.
“He’s fresh as paint and Ascot couldn’t come soon enough. It’s amazing how well he is taking his races this year and he’s in great form. He’s been a legend this year.”
By Adam Morgan, Press Association
Three-time French champion won the race on Waldgeist in 2019.
Pierre-Charles Boudot has picked up the ride on Thundering On in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after Dylan Browne McMonagle failed to pass the doctors in time to return to the saddle for the ParisLongchamp spectacular.
Boudot’s agent Herve Naggar confirmed to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast that the three-time French champion jockey who won the race on Waldgeist in 2019, beating Enable, has been snapped up by trainer Joseph O’Brien.
“He is very excited. He loves the filly and she has everything to (run well). She looks a bit like Minnie Hauk last year and to ride the best three-year-old filly in an Arc with the weight advantage and being in good form is really exciting for him,” said Naggar.
Thundering On, an impressive winner of the Oaks at Epsom on soft ground, disappointed in the Pretty Polly Stakes behind Estrange in June but returned to form on good ground over one mile two furlongs at the Curragh in the Group Two Blandford Stakes last time.
It is generally felt she would be better suited with a rain-softened surface but it looks as though she will not get that on Sunday.
“The forecast has been changing in the last few days,” said Naggar. “We are waiting for some rain tomorrow. I would say it is not going to be as fast as the day of the prep races but it is going to be French good ground.”
Boudot looks set to have a decent weekend of rides and Naggar picked out Christopher Head’s unbeaten two-year-old Avec Toi in the Jean-Luc Lagardere and Pink Panthera in the Prix de l’Opera as two highlights.
Naggar also represents Christophe Soumillon who has been booked for one of the Ballydoyle trio, Minnie Hauk, Benvenuto Cellini or Diamond Necklace depending on which way stable number one Ryan Moore elects to go.
“We are waiting for Ryan to make a choice,” said Naggar. “He has ridden the three of them and won a Group One with Diamond Necklace so she is a princess for him and he is unbeaten with her,” said Naggar.
“Minnie Hauk was beaten just a head in last year’s Arc. One of the two fillies would be his preference I would think.”
By Press Association Sports
British Champions Day has become a fitting final act to the British Flat season. Stayers, sprinters, milers and middle-distance stars gather at Ascot in October, often with a championship still to settle or one last race to define a career.
The meeting began in 2011. Some of its feature races are much older: the Champion Stakes was first run at Newmarket in 1877 before moving to Ascot as the centrepiece of the new fixture. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes also brought an established reputation to the card. Champions Day put those races alongside major contests for stayers, sprinters and fillies and mares on one afternoon.
Frankel gives the meeting its defining moment
The new fixture could hardly have asked for a better early ambassador. Frankel won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at the inaugural meeting in 2011, then returned a year later for the final start of his unbeaten career.
Rain had softened the ground before the 2012 Champion Stakes, adding one last question for Sir Henry Cecil’s champion. Frankel answered it with his 14th victory from 14 starts, beating Cirrus des Aigles before an Ascot crowd that knew it was watching a farewell.
There was a poignant sequel in 2014. Frankel’s younger brother Noble Mission, trained by Lady Jane Cecil after Sir Henry’s death, fought off Al Kazeem to win the Champion Stakes. Two brothers had now claimed the meeting’s main event, each with a different story attached to the victory.
Champions keep returning
A victory on Champions Day can settle an argument about a season. Winning there twice gives a horse a place of its own in the meeting’s history.
Cracksman achieved that in the Champion Stakes in 2017 and 2018, both times with Frankie Dettori aboard for John Gosden. His commanding wins made him the first horse to retain the race since its move to Ascot.
The staying races have produced their own enduring names. Stradivarius added the 2018 Long Distance Cup to a remarkable campaign, while Kyprios rounded off an unbeaten seven-race season by winning the same contest in 2024. Trawlerman had beaten Kyprios in a memorable 2023 finish and returned to win again in 2025, by which time the Long Distance Cup had been promoted to Group 1 status.
The days that did not follow the script
The promise of a champion does not guarantee a coronation. Baaeed arrived for the 2022 Champion Stakes unbeaten and expected to finish his career with another victory. Instead, Bay Bridge won for Sir Michael Stoute, bringing one of the sport’s great winning sequences to an unexpected end.
Two years later, Anmaat caught Calandagan close to the line to take the 2024 Champion Stakes at long odds. In 2025, the same race belonged to Calandagan, who returned to Ascot and beat Ombudsman decisively. His victory gave French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard the meeting’s headline prize and completed a rare same-season double with the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The 2025 card also showed just how unpredictable the supporting races could be. Powerful Glory sprang a 200-1 upset in the British Champions Sprint, while Cicero’s Gift won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at 100-1. Later, Kalpana brought some order back to proceedings by winning the Fillies & Mares Stakes for the second consecutive year.
Dettori’s Ascot farewell
Few people have given Champions Day more theatre than Frankie Dettori. The 2023 meeting was billed as his final day riding in Britain, and he delivered a finish worthy of the occasion.
Dettori won the Long Distance Cup on Trawlerman, then produced a late surge on King Of Steel to claim the Champion Stakes. For a jockey so closely associated with Ascot, it was an extraordinary way to say goodbye to a British crowd.
Champion Stakes winners since British Champions Day began
The Champion Stakes has been the meeting’s headline race since 2011. Its winners trace much of the story, from Frankel’s farewell to Calandagan’s return to the top in 2025.
Year
Winner
Trainer
Jockey
2011
Cirrus des Aigles
Corine Barande-Barbe
Christophe Soumillon
2012
Frankel
Sir Henry Cecil
Tom Queally
2013
Farhh
Saeed bin Suroor
Silvestre de Sousa
2014
Noble Mission
Jane Cecil
James Doyle
2015
Fascinating Rock
Dermot Weld
Pat Smullen
2016
Almanzor
Jean-Claude Rouget
Christophe Soumillon
2017
Cracksman
John Gosden
Frankie Dettori
2018
Cracksman
John Gosden
Frankie Dettori
2019
Magical
Aidan O’Brien
Donnacha O’Brien
2020
Addeybb
William Haggas
Tom Marquand
2021
Sealiway
Cédric Rossi
Mickaël Barzalona
2022
Bay Bridge
Sir Michael Stoute
Richard Kingscote
2023
King Of Steel
Roger Varian
Frankie Dettori
2024
Anmaat
Owen Burrows
Jim Crowley
2025
Calandagan
Francis-Henri Graffard
Mickaël Barzalona
As British Champions Day approaches its 16th edition, its appeal remains simple: the biggest names arrive with reputations made during the season, then Ascot gives them one more chance to strengthen them. Sometimes, as Frankel and Cracksman showed, the champion delivers. Sometimes Bay Bridge or Anmaat changes the story altogether.
By Scott Bailey
Bettors seeking an edge to Thursday’s 1 October Vaal fixture have plenty to work with as there are several enticing betting propositions throughout the card – with two Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained fillies, a pair of Drakenstein Stud homebreds, and a potential double for champion jockey Craig Zackey all worthy of betting interest.
De Kock-trained Vision Of Gold could set the tone in Race 1 over 1200m. The well-related Gold Standard filly, a half-sister to Horse-Of-The-Year See It Again, returns from a 14-week break having shown promise when fourth over this same distance on debut as a two-year-old. That experience should stand her in good stead, and natural improvement could make her a worthwhile bet on her reappearance.
Zackey will partner Clinton Binda’s Whatsdamatterwithu for the first time in Race 3, also over 1200m, and could make the most of the opportunity. The progressive Fire Away gelding has really turned the corner since being gelded and remains open to further improvement. He won’t need to find much to go one better after finishing second in a similar contest last time off the same mark.
Zackey has another strong chance in Race 5 over 1000m when he takes over from the injured Gavin Lerena aboard Mike Azzie’s Taking A Risk. This Fire Away filly has filled the runner-up berth in each of her last three starts, all off her current rating, and another honest performance could finally see her rewarded.
Returning Future Gamble provides an appealing each-way alternative in Race 6 over 1500m. The Drakenstein-bred-and-owned Futura filly progressed through the divisions during her three-year-old campaign with James Crawford and could be even better in the care of Sean Tarry.
While the trip is shorter than ideal, she is probably better than her rating suggests so looks well weighted under just 52kg. Her 112-day absence could also ensure an attractive price, making a speculative each-way wager worth considering.
The De Kocks take the wraps off a three-year-old exciting prospect in Race 7 over 1600m, in the shape of Feast Of Berries – a R3-million Vercingetorix filly bred for the big time, being a daughter out of Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes winner Redberry Lane.
Feast Of Berries improved with every juvenile appearance, progressing from a debut fourth over 1160m to finish second over 1600m before getting off the mark in determined fashion over the same trip on Turffontein’s Inside track.
Given 93 days to strengthen and mature, she should have plenty more to offer this season and makes considerable appeal on her handicap debut, especially as the form of her last-start victory has received a significant boost by runner-up Me And You winning both subsequent outings.
There is enough quality and upside here to make the Vaal card a punter’s playground rather than a guessing game. Follow the De Kock fillies, keep Zackey firmly onside, and don’t ignore the value angles where fresh legs and lenient weights could turn promise into profit.
Clive Robinson
The field for Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) is taking shape, with 19 horses remaining after Monday’s first forfeit stage at ParisLongchamp.
Defending champion Daryz heads the list. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, he returned to winning form over the Arc course and distance in the Prix Foy after a below-par run at Royal Ascot. A second victory on Sunday would put him among the race’s rare back-to-back winners.
Graffard also has Varandir, who won the Prix Niel on Arc Trials Day. The three-year-old has lost only once, when favourite for the Grand Prix de Paris, and gives the Aga Khan Studs another serious chance. Stablemate Sunly remains entered but is expected to run in Saturday’s Prix Royallieu instead.
Britain’s challenge is led by Maltese Cross and Kalpana. William Haggas-trained Maltese Cross finished second in the Derby before winning the Grand Prix de Paris over Sunday’s course and distance. He then added the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, giving him two wins from two starts since Epsom.
Kalpana has put together an outstanding season for Andrew Balding. Her victory over Calandagan in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes was followed by another Group 1 success in the Yorkshire Oaks. She now has the chance to add Europe’s biggest middle-distance prize to that record.
Aidan O’Brien has reduced his Arc team to three: last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk, Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini and Diamond Necklace. Minnie Hauk came closest to Daryz 12 months ago, while Benvenuto Cellini will need to improve on his fifth in the Prix Niel.
Diamond Necklace brings a different point of interest. The French Oaks and Nassau Stakes winner has yet to race over 2400m, and the Prix de l’Opéra remains an alternative target. O’Brien’s stated intention is to run all three in the Arc, with the ground likely to influence the final decision on Diamond Necklace.
His son Joseph O’Brien has left Oaks heroine Thundering On in the race. She would welcome some ease in the ground, making the weather an important part of her connections’ decision in the days ahead.
The British-trained group also includes Bay City Roller, whose emphatic Coronation Cup victory marked him as a top-class stayer, Roger Varian’s recent German Group 1 winner Saddadd, and Ralph Beckett’s Tattycoram.
Japan has two remaining hopes in Admire Terra and Meisho Tabaru, while Germany could be represented by Bright Light. Among the French entries is Arrow Eagle, who is set to give Jean-Claude Rouget a final runner in the race before the trainer ends his long career.
There may yet be another name added. Friendly Soul earned a free supplementary entry with her Prix Vermeille victory, and her connections have until Wednesday to decide whether she will take her place.
The barrier draw will be conducted on Thursday, October 1, at 8:45pm local Paris time. Before then, supplementary entries and decisions shaped by the weather will determine exactly which of the 19 remaining contenders meet Daryz on Sunday.
By Scott Bailey
Diamond Necklace looks set to spearhead the Ballydoyle challenge in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with last year’s runner-up Minnie Hauk and Benvenuto Cellini joining her at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien stated it was the intention to run all three and the champion trainer indicated he expected stable number one Ryan Moore to pick the four-times Group One winner in the feature.
“We do intend to run all three. Obviously Diamond Necklace has an option of going for the fillies race on the same day (Prix de l’Opera) but at the moment we are looking at going with the three,” said O’Brien.
Diamond Necklace wrapped up her two-year-old career with a win in the Prix Marcel Boussac on last year’s Arc undercard and completed the French Guineas-Oaks double at Longchamp and Chantilly earlier in the season.
She followed that double up running out an impressive winner of the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood before suffering her only career defeat when second behind Aventure in the Prix Jean et Louis Romanet as her Arc warm-up over one mile and two furlongs at Deauville last time.
O’Brien admitted he felt he could have been harder on the filly in the build-up to that race but suggested all has gone well since as she prepares to step up to a mile and a half for the first time.
“She obviously hasn’t run a mile and a half before. We always had it in our mind that she would and I suppose we are going to wait and see what the ground is going to be,” he said.
“We would want it to be on the nice ground going a mile and a half first time. It is possible that Precise could run in the fillies race – the Prix de l’Opera. We need to get a little bit closer to the weekend before we say for definite.”
On that Deauville defeat, O’Brien added: “The ground was a bit softer than we thought it was going to be and Christophe (Ferland) had his filly Aventure in very good form. It is possible that I hadn’t been hard enough on her.
“I was looking for a race that would fill in between this weekend and that weekend (Goodwood) and I didn’t really want to go a mile and a half which is why she didn’t go to the Prix Vermeille (at ParisLongchamp).
“Things have gone very well since and we are very happy with her. She will have one more piece of work to do this week but we are very happy. Ryan has the choice of the three but I would probably think she would be (his pick) but I couldn’t be sure.”
By Gideon Brooks, Press Association
Download your daily France express form for FREE:RACE 1: QATAR PRIX MARCEL BOUSSAC – CRITERIUM DES POULICHES (FILLIES’ GROUP 1) (2YO) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 1) – 1600M | TIME: 19:31 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 400000
GREEN EMPRESS (IRE) Won Group 2 Debutante Stakes at The Curragh before running second to the extraordinary Sun Goddess in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the same venue 3 weeks ago. Is new to a mile but still looks the horse to beat. ALLELA (IRE) Romped in maiden at Deauville on 22 August before confirming in a Class 2 at Chantilly over 1600m on 14 September. Takes a big jump in class but would not be here without a realistic chance of imposing. DATA Won twice on the trot before being denied a run, coming third in Group 2 Prix d’Aumale over course and distance on 6 September. Clearly has a lot of untap ped potential and can playa leading role. QUEEN OF THE DAY (IRE) Improving filly that ran second to DATA (11) in Group 3 Prix Six Perfections at Deauville over 1400m on 2 August. Is new to ParisLongchamp and benefits from a good draw. Can play a part.
RACE 2: QATAR PRIX JEAN-LUC LAGARDERE (GROUP 1) (2YO) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 2) – 1400M | TIME: 20:09 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 400000
FOLSOM BLUES (IRE) Ran second to Sun Goddess on 9 August, then won the Group 1 National Stakes at The Curragh by 6 lengths three weeks ago. Can make French debut a victorious one with form maintained. AVEC TOI (USA) Maintained undefeated record when victorious in Group 3 Prix la Rochette over course and distance on 6 September and has a realistic chance of bringing the fight to FOLSOM BLUES (1). IMPERIAL STRIKE (IRE) Second to AVEC TOI (6) in Group 3 Prix la Rochette over course and distance on 6 September. Missed out by little that day and once again looks a serious proposition. AMUSINGLY Runner-up in Group 2 Prix d’Aumale at ParisLongchamp over 1600m on 6 September. Connections are taking a punt running her against the colts but would become the first filly since Happily in 2017 to win the race if successful.
RACE 3: PRIX DE L’ABBAYE DE LONGCHAMP LONGINES (GROUP 1) (2YO+) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 3) – 1000M | TIME: 20:47 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 350000
RUMSTAR In the frame in last three runs, most recently third in Group 1 Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh on 13 September. Has a realistic chance of making French bow a winning one. NAANA’S SHADOW (IRE) Travelled from Scotland to Paris to dominate 1000m Group 3 Prix du Petit Couvert here 3 weeks ago. Can repeat dose with form maintained. MISS YECHANCE (IRE) Won a valuable Handicap at York a month before con firming in a Group 3 over 1000m at Newbury a fortnight ago. Karl Burke has enjoyed considerable success in France and runs her in the belief that she can win this. SHIRI (FR) Second to NAANA’s SHADOW (15) in a Group 3 Prix du Petit Couvert over course and distance on 13 September. Has hardly put a foot out of line this season and has a realistic chance of making the frame once more.
RACE 4: QATAR ARABIAN WORLD CUP (ARAB GROUP 1) (4YO+) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 4) – 2000M | TIME: 21:25 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 1000000
HM ALCHAHINE (FR) Runner-up to the excellent Al Ghadeer in 2025. Has nothing to prove under these conditions, will have been specifically-honed for this, and will be well-backed to impose. RB KINGMAKER (USA) Facile winner of Group 1 Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood on 29 July, most recently confirming with victory in a Group 1 at Waregem, and looks main threat to his stablemate. LIPPO DE CARRERE (FR) Exacted revenge on LACARO DU CROATE (12) at the end of July at Goodwood, although was unable to trouble RB KINGMAKER (4). Place chance all the same. HAJMAH (FR) Recent fourth to RB KINGMAKER (4) at Goodwood. Could have finished closer but was somewhat out of sorts that day and must not be underestimated.
RACE 5: QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE (GROUP 1) (G1) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 5) – 2400M | TIME: 22:05 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 5000000
DARYZ (FR) Beautifully-bred winner of Arc 2025. Had a blip at Ascot after winning a pair of Group 1 races at home, but answered all the questions when easily winning the Group 2 Prix Foy. Is on course for a second Arc success on paper. MAL TESE CROSS (FR) Classy 3-year-old that would have won the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris by considerably more had he been afforded a run, but was imperious in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York and has the quality to win a race of this calibre. KALP ANA Put in quite the performance to win the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks at York over 2400m on 20 August, just under a month after winning the King George at Ascot. Benefits from a decent draw and should improve considerably on last year’s performance. BENVENUTO CELLINI (IRE) Irish Derby winner that ran third to KALPANA (9) in the King George. Should not be too harshly-judged for coming fifth to VARANDIR (11) in Group 2 Prix Niel and will be no push over drawn on rail.
RACE 6: PRIX DE L’OPERA LONGINES (FILLIES’ AND MARES’ GROUP 1) (3YO+) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 6) – 2000M | TIME: 22:50 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 500000
AVENTURE (IRE) Outclassed the opposition in the Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet at Deauville over 2000m on 23 August. Sets the standard. PINK PANTHERA (FR) Finished second in the Group 1 Qatar Prix Vermeille at ParisLongchamp over 2400m on 6 September last time. Player. PRECISE (IRE) Came home fifth in the Group 1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown over 1600m on 12 September. Has won four Group 1 races over 1600m. Hard to ignore stepping up in distance. CANKOURA (FR) Finished fifth last time in the Group 1 Prix Vermeille over 2000m at ParisLongchamp on 23 August. Capable of improvement to feature.
RACE 7: QATAR PRIX DE LA FORET (GROUP 1) (3YO+) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 7) – 1400M | TIME: 23:25 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 350000
SAMANGAN (IRE) Outclassed the opposition in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville over 1300m on 9 August on last run. Key chance. THESECRETADVERSARY (IRE) Finished sixth in the Group 1 Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacquesle Marois at Deauville over 1600m on 16 August. NIGHTTIME (FR) Came home fifth in the Group 1 Qatar Prix du Moulinde Longchamp at ParisLongchamp over 1600m on 6 September. Capable of a bold show. SHOWNA (FR) Fourth in a Group 3 at ParisLongchamp over 1400m on 13 Sep tember last time out. In the mix.
RACE 8: QATAR GRAND HANDICAP DES FLYERS PRESENTE PAR RMC (HCP) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 8) – 1400M | TIME: 00:00 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 72000
SKYLIGHT BROCHARD (UNR) Fourth in a Class 2 Handicap at ParisLongchamp over 1400m on 10 September last time. Can be competitive. TALENTUOSO (USA) Outclassed the opposition in a Class 3 at La Teste De Buch over 1400m on 24 September when last seen. Player. BLUE BROTHER (FR) Won last time at Doncaster, UK over 1300m in a Condition on 13 September. Ought to be thereabouts. TORTISAMBERT (FR) Finished fifteen in a Class 2 Handicap at ParisLongchamp over 1400m on 10 September when last seen. One to pay attention to.
RACE 9: QUATAR PRIX DU FESTIVAL DES NATIONS HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 9) – 1400M | TIME: 00:35 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 33600
ROZARION (FR) In good form and finished third in a Class 3 Handicap at Chantilly over 1200m on 19 September. Looks ready to win. PIEMONT (IRE) Unplaced last time over 1400m on 10 September, a win before that at Vichy in a Class 3 over 1400m on 3 August. Key chance. GALORD (FR) Finished fourth in a Class 2 Handicap at Deauville over 1600m on 1 September last time. Hard to dismiss. NADIR (FR) Ran second last time at Saint-Cloud over 1400m in a Handicap on 11 September, and consistent efforts before that. Can have a say in the finish.
Download your daily France express form for FREE:RACE 1: QATAR PRIX CHAUDENAY STAKES – GROUP 2 (3YO) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 1) – 3000M | TIME: 19:23 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 183000
PIERRE BONNARD (IRE) Finished sixth last time in the St Leger (Group 1) at Doncaster, UK over 2900m on 12 September. Former winner of the Critériumde Saint-Cloud 2025 (Group 1). Key chance. VICTOIRE MAGIQUE Outclassed the opposition in a Group 3 at ParisLongchamp over 3000m on 3 September. Improving and cannot be discounted. SP ACE WAL TZ (USA) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Group 3 at ParisLongchamp over 3000m behind VICTOIRE MAGIQUE (7) on 3 September. Player. JABRACADABRA (FR) Won in a Listed at Craon over 2400m on 5 September on latest start. Knows how to win and can make presence felt.
RACE 2: QATAR PRIX DOLLAR (GROUP 2) (3YO+) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 2) – 1950M | TIME: 19:58 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 183000
PHINEAS Game success at ParisLongchamp in a Group 3 on 13 September on last start. Hard to ignore. WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE Ran well to be second in the Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1) over 2000m at Leopardstown on 12 September. Can be competitive. DISTANT STORM Won on latest start in a Group 3 at Deauville over 1600m on 9 August. Ought to be in the shake-up stepping up in distance. ZAYDANN Came home fifth in the Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) at York over 2000m on 19 August last time. Merits consideration.
RACE 3: QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES JUMENTS (ARAB GROUP 1) (4YO) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 3) – 2000M | TIME: 20:33 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 150000
FAKHIRA (UNR) Two wins of late, the latter over 2000m in a Group 1 PA at La Teste on 10 August. Class act who can follow up. AMJAAD (FR) Won on the latest start at Doha over 1600m in a Group 3 PA on 12 December last year. Returns froma long break and has fitness to prove but cannot be overlooked. KIAORA DU SOLEIL (FR) Three placed efforts of late, the latter whena win at Toulouse over 2000m in a Group 2 PA on 21 May. Honest performer who can havea say. MN SHAHRAZAD (FR) Recent win at Mont-De-Marsan over 2000m in a Condition on 29 July on second start. Looks progressive and warrants respect.
RACE 4: QATAR PRIX DE LA PLACE DES VOSGES HANDICAP (3YO+) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 4) – 2500M | TIME: 21:15 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 72000
REMBRAND TO GO (FR) Excellent runner-up in a Class 2 Handicap at Paris Longchamp over 2400m on 6 September last time. Live contender. SHARPSHOOT Outclassed the opposition in a Class 2 at ParisLongchamp over 2000m on 9 July. Lightly raced and has a good bit more to come. NITY GALESTE (FR) Showed promise and was third in a Class 1 Handicap at ParisLongchamp over 2000m on 13 September. Ought to be in the shake-up. EBIYAR (FR) Finished fourth in a Class 2 at Le Mans over 3200m on 11 September when last seen. Not to be taken lightly.
RACE 5: ARQANA SERIES – HARAS DE BOUQUETOT CRITERIUM D’AUTOMNE STAKES (2YO) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 5) – 1600M | TIME: 21:50 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 260000
BREATH OF PARADISE (IRE) Two placed runs so far, third on the latter at the Curragh in a Condition on 16 August. Can be competitive. KESKAVIEL (FR) Not disgraced when third in a Maiden at Saint-Cloud over 1400m on 11 September. Capable of a better performance. MAGIC HARRY (FR) Won on last start over 1400m at Leicester, UK in a Condition on 8 August. Can improve more and has to be considered. MOON SAND (FR) Got off the mark at the Curragh on latest start over 1400m in a Condition on 27 September. Faces stronger but can challenge again.
RACE 6: QATAR PRIX DE ROYALLIEU (GROUP 1) (G1) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 6) – 2800M | TIME: 22:25 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 300000
SUNLY Finished third in the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Group 1) at ParisLongchamp over 2400m on 6 September. Showing great progress and is a huge con tender. WAARDAH (IRE) Successful last time out in a Group 2 at Doncaster over 2900m on 10 September. Will go close . CONSENT (IRE) Came home third in a Group 2 at Doncaster over 2900m on 10 September. Is capable of being a threat . SANTORINI STAR (IRE) Ran second in a Group 2 at Deauville over 3000m on 23 August. Is capable of making the frame against this bunch.
RACE 7: QATAR PRIX DU CADRAN (GROUP 1) (G1) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 7) – 4000M | TIME: 23:00 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 300000
SCANDINAVIA (USA) Outclassed the opposition in The Comer Group Inter national Irish St. Leger (Group 1) at Curragh over 2800m on 13 September. Will be the ultimate stayer. CABALLO DE MAR (IRE) Successful in a Group 2 at Doncaster over 3600m on 11 September. Should be competitive. QUEENSTOWN (IRE) Finished as runner-up to SCANDINAVIA (1) in the Irish St Leger (Group 1) at the Curragh over 2800m on 13 September. Can run into the money. DOUBLE MAJOR (IRE) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Group 3 at ParisLongchamp over 3000m on 10 September. Has a good place chance.
RACE 8: QATAR PRIX DANIEL WILDENSTEIN (GROUP 2) (3YO+) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 8) – 1600M | TIME: 23:35 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 183000
QUDDWAH Outclassed the opposition in a Group 2 at Leopards town over 1600m on 12 September. Can make it his own again. ISAAC NEWTON (IRE) Ran fourth in a Group 2 at Leopardstown over 1600m on 12 September. Good choice for exactas. FALLEN ANGEL Came home third in the Matron Stakes (Group 1) at Leopardstown over 1600m on 12 September. Consistent so far and should earn a place. ELASTIC (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Group 3 at Chantilly over 1600m on 14 June. Capable of running into the minor places.
RACE 9: QATAR PRIX DE LA PLACE DE LA CONCORDE HANDICAP (HCP) (FROM PARISLONGCHAMP RACE 9) – 1600M | TIME: 00:10 | PRIZE MONEY: EUR 72000
CLAVUS (FR) Victorious in a Listed at Vichy over 1600m on 24 July. Oozing with confidence and has all the reason to finish well again. ELIMAN (FR) Runner-up in a Divided Handicap at ParisLongchamp over 1400m on 10 September. Is capable of threatening at the finish. HALF HALF (FR) Threatening to win and was runner-up in a Group 3 at Deauville over 1600m on 30 August. Will be banging there once again. MELUSINE DU HOULEY (FR) Runner-up in a Class 2 at Clairefontaine over 1400m on 21 August. Is capable of running well and should compete here.
