Titleholder Fancied to Give Japan a Big Run in the Arc
A full complement of 20 runners will go to post for Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The contest, worth £2.4 million to the winner, is forecast to be raced on soft going. Luxembourg, winner of last season’s Futurity Trophy and most recently the Irish Champion Stakes on soft ground, is the current 4/1 l’Arc de Triomphe favorite.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained horse that has the assistance of Ryan Moore in the saddle, has fared well in the draw. The three-year-old will jump from stall 8. Alpinista – chasing an eight-timer and a sixth successive Group-1 win – has also been fortunate. She starts from stall 6.
Frankie Dettori celebrates his sixth l’Arc de Triomphe victory courtesy of Enable in 2018. His mount on Sunday, 2021 winner Torquator Tasso, has been supported to retain his crown. ©GettyImages
It is not such good news for supporters of Torquator Tasso. The defending champion and mount of Frankie Dettori has been drawn unfavorably in stall 18. However, persistent rain has seen the German horse attract significant market support. He is now into 6/1.
Japan’s Time to Take the Title?
Four Japanese-trained horses are in the line-up. The country has earned the respect of the racing world by enjoying outstanding success around the globe during the past 12 months. The l’Arc de Triomphe has so far eluded the nation, but we are pinning our hopes on its principal contender, Titleholder, this weekend.
Japanese media are in no doubt this is the best horse the country has ever brought to Paris in an attempt to capture Europe’s most valuable prize. Given the numerous times Japanese runners have been placed in the Arc – lesser horses than Titleholder apparently – it is a big l’Arc de Triomphe tip in itself.
A mid-field draw in stall 10 is of no concern. And, with winning form over two miles, the extra stamina required to get the Arc’s one-mile four-furlongs trip on soft ground is not a major worry. If he acts on the surface is another matter. But, at 8/1 with the William Hill sportsbook, Titleholder is a fine each-way proposition granted this firm are paying pace positions 1-2-3-4-5.
Beach Should Account For Washed up Rivals
Beforehand, on Saturday, it is hard to get away from Saffron Beach in the Group-1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. In a race lacking strength and depth, our fancy – 13/8 with the best odds bookmakers – has a recent verdict and weight advantage over the second favorite, Homeless Song.
Underlining the weakness of the race, the full form of the third favorite, Laurel, is a pair of novice stakes wins. She is currently rated just 98. Looking further down the betting list is difficult to get excited about any other runner.
Cresta Can Produce Another Big Run
At Ascot, Cresta can stake a strong claim on the 2.25 pm contest, the Group-3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes. One of just two three-year-olds in the field, David Probert’s mount gets a handy weight pull from his older rivals. Very impressive when taking a Listed contest by over six lengths at Windsor a month ago, his official rating has since risen by seven pounds.
Cresta is now rated 110, but further improvement appears likely. If this contest becomes a tactical affair, he might be able to outsprint favorite Hamish – better known as a 14-furlong specialist – to the line. Cresta is priced at 9/2 with most of the leading horse racing betting sites, so he too is a viable each-way proposition.
