Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Preview (Sun 1st Oct 2023 )

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France, over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles) and scheduled to take place each year, usually on the first Sunday in October.

Popularly referred to as the "Arc", it is the world's most prestigious all-aged horse race. Its roll of honour features many highly acclaimed horses, and its winners are often subsequently regarded as champions. It is currently the world's fifth-richest turf race (behind The Everest, The Dubai World Cup, The Breeders Cup Classic and The Saudi Cup). Over 40,000 visitors attend the "Arc" every year and the race itself is broadcast live to 50 countries all over the globe. 

 

Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Group 1) (3yo+ No Geldings) (Grande Course) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £2,528,319 15 runners 1m4f Good/G/S places ITV4

 

race conditions  £4,424,779 guaranteed For  3yo+ Weight for age  3yo from 4yo+ 6lb Penalty value  1st  £2,528,318.58 2nd  £1,011,504.42 3rd  £505,752.21 4th  £252,654.87 5th  £126,548.67 

 

15 runners declared for the 5 million euro contest over 1M 4F,on ground that looked quite fast here yesterday at ParisLongchamp .

 

The unbeaten French three-year-old colt Ace Impact has been put in clear favourite at around 5-2 , after winning Prix Guillaume d'Ornano (Group 2) at Deauville back in August .Also won French Derby in good style back in June , that form beating 115 rated Big Rock by overl 3 lenghs looks decent , though not top draw .Will need further improvent over this longer trip to land this much stronger race .Respected ,though not for me at the prices.

 

From good inside draw the ultra consistent WESTOVER  looks the each-way play, with conditions in his favour ,though only sixth in this race last year that was on bottomless heavy ground .Will be suited by these fast ground conditions .Has been in decent form this season ,including finishing creditable head second in King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Group 1)also finished good second in both the Sheema Classic at Meydan & Coronation Cup at Epsom .Solid each-way claims at around 7-1 with bookmakers paying 4 places .

The likeable 6-Y-0 Hukum has been great form this season winning both starts ,including winning King George V1 at Ascot back in July when just getting the better of Westover in close finish, though never easy to overcome wide draw here at ParisLonchamp over 1M 4F ,will need everything to drop right from stall 14 .Also would have preferred easier ground conditions .

Of the others St Leger winner Continuous & Champion Stakes winner Bay Bridge both have each-way claims in this high quality G1 contest .

 

VERDICT (1) WESTOVER (2) ACE IMPACT (3) CONTINUOUS 

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RECOMMENDED BET 

WESTOVER 3.05 PARISLONGCHAMP PRIX DE L'ARC TRIOMPHE 

0.50PTS EACH-WAY @ 7-1 BET365 BOG (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4)

(SECOND SP 11-2 PROFIT £20.00 / 0.20 PTS 

 

RESULT : 1ST ACE IMPACT 5-2F 2ND WESTOVER 11-2 3RD ONESTO 50-1