'We're very hopeful' - Murtagh's confidence in leading Lagardere contender

Sunday: 1.15 Longchamp
Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1) | 7f | 2yo colts and fillies | ITV/Sky

The Jean-Luc Lagardere was staged over a mile from the five-year period between 2015 and 2019 but this Group 1 juvenile prize has since reverted to its traditional seven-furlong trip.

The significance of an extra furlong is more pronounced for juveniles and the pick of the French brigade are Breizh Sky and Tigrais, who were separated by a short head in the Prix la Rochette over seven furlongs here last time and are difficult to separate.

However, the feeling is this could be one for the away team. One of only three juveniles trained by Johnny Murtagh with a future Classic entry, Shartash endured a frustrating passage when third in the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh last time and may have gone close to winning with more luck. That proved he gets seven furlongs and stall two is a positive.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Alessandro Botti, trainer of Breizh Sky
He was just running back after a break the other day and may have been a bit unlucky with Christophe [Soumillon] finding himself in front too early. Still, he showed some quality. It will be difficult to win with two very good foreign horses in there but we've had this race in mind for a long time and I hope he can be placed.

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Shartash
He's in great order and travelled over well. Everything has gone well in the lead up to the race and I do think he will handle the ground. We're very hopeful.

Andre Fabre, trainer of Belbek
He is going reasonably well in the mornings and the extra furlong won't do any harm. He needs to settle; he's been a bit keen.

Mauricio Delcher Sanchez, trainer of Vicious Harry
The trip is probably at the end of his range but if you're going to stay it anywhere it will be at Longchamp. He has some experience and always gives his running. He's in top form so we thought we would let him take his chance.
Reporting by James Burn

Read our previews for Arc day . . .

2022 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: top trainers on their Longchamp chances

Big-race analysis: the world's race with a French flavour: how this year's Arc is set to play out (Members' Club)

1.50 Longchamp: can experienced horses take advantage of their draw in the Marcel Boussac?

3.50 Longchamp: 'All she wants is rain and she'll get it' – Haggas sounds right note for Opera

4.25 Longchamp: could the draw be key again? Big-race pointers for the Abbaye

5.00 Longchamp: 'He's in the right shape' – Kinross back in search of first Group 1 victory

Sign up here. Place a minimum £10 bet on the Sportsbook at odds of minimum 1/2 (1.5) and get £30 in free bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards or Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.