Behkabad for Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
A full field of 20, with horses that have solid top-level form playing the role of outsiders, suggests that this year’s Group One Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp is no easy matter.
And yet Behkabad stands out as a horse who ticks all the boxes. His last two runs, wins over course and distance – and similar ground - in the Group One Grand Prix de Paris and the Group Two Prix Niel on Arc trials day, are solid form that gives him the edge over Planteur.
The Niel has signposted the Arc wins of Rail Link (2006), Hurricane Run (2005), Dalakhani (2003) and Sinndar (2000) in recent years and three-year-olds have an excellent recent record in the race, with 13 victories in the last 16 years.
The draw, nine has also been kind to Behkabad, who is trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, which is more than can be said for Fame And Glory who, from stall one, could be in for a troubled passage. Workforce has already had that but the colt, who was so impressive when he won the Derby by seven lengths in June but so ineffectual fifth of sixth behind stable companion Harbinger in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes the following month, would be a major threat if back to his best.
That has to be taken on trust, as is his ability to handle testing ground, but Sir Michael Stoute would not be running if he did not think that there was at least a chance of that happening. The same can also be said about Lope de Vega, winner of the Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Prix du Jockey Club, who was added to the field at the supplementary stage on Thursday.
He has disappointed on his last two starts but he is trained by André Fabre, who has won the Arc seven times, and if one of the sharpest brains in French racing believes he is worth a chance it is a decision that has to be taken seriously.
Freddie Head has agonised over the decision of whether to run Goldikova in the Group One Prix de la Forêt, as he prepares the mare for a tilt at a third Breeders’ Cup Mile at Churchill Downs next month. She was beaten in this race last year and neither Paco Boy (ground) or d**k Turpin (drop in distance) really makes as much appeal as Siyouni who may profit in what could turn out to be a muddling race.
The Group One Prix de l'Abbaye has been a benefit for British and Irish-trained runners over the past 30 years and David Elsworth’s Swiss Diva, who has won her last three starts in France, can continue that run.
Richard Fahey has been banking the money in sales races with Wotton Bassett who may now get the chance of a Group One win in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere while Helleborine should maintain her unbeaten record in the Prix Marcel Boussac.
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