A huge field and an abundance of plotlines: the Arc once again looks spectacular

Let nobody tell you this is anything other than an Arc to savour.

True, there are some who through choice or misfortune have stayed away, stars of the turf whose presence would have been welcome. Yet for all that we are missing Baaeed, Desert Crown, Adayar and Pyledriver, we have a maximum field and a betting market headed by horses representing Ireland, Britain, Germany, France and Japan.

The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is the world's most coveted Flat race. The world will once again be watching. Much of the world will be competing. This is an Arc filled with the promise of stories that would further enrich the glorious history of a horserace that now celebrates its 101st running. There is absolutely nothing not to like.