Market move for the Niel third is understandable - but this rival looks bred for the Arc and has the class to strike
It is rare for a prospective Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe field to not include so many of the year's best middle-distance horses. Breeders’ Cup Classic and Qipco Champion Stakes favourites City Of Troy and Economics have those assignments on their agendas, while top-class geldings Calandagan and Goliath are absentees for obvious reasons.
According to the market the most relevant formlines are last month’s Prix Niel and Irish Champion Stakes. That is difficult to dispute for a field packed with quantity over pure star quality. Sosie landed the Niel fair and square from Delius (second) and Look De Vega (third), but those positions could easily be reversed in the Arc, particularly once the draw is known.
The Niel was run in a slower time than the other recognised trials on that Longchamp card last month and it is common for French trainers to leave their leading Arc hopes undercooked with the big day in mind. The early-week market move for Niel third Look De Vega, the least-exposed of the three and arriving off the longest absence, is understandable.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inWeekend Focus
Last updated
- Irish dominance of the Cesarewitch market is right - but this 33-1 chance is capable of a bold showing
- A 66-1 shot to consider for the Cambridgeshire - plus three things to note this weekend
- The Ayr Gold Cup is quite the conundrum - but this horse needs to be on your radar
- Aidan O'Brien holds all the aces in the St Leger - but I'm taking on his favourite with this staying machine
- Weekend focus: 16-1 shot with family history stands out in Sprint Cup - but this is a win-only race
- Irish dominance of the Cesarewitch market is right - but this 33-1 chance is capable of a bold showing
- A 66-1 shot to consider for the Cambridgeshire - plus three things to note this weekend
- The Ayr Gold Cup is quite the conundrum - but this horse needs to be on your radar
- Aidan O'Brien holds all the aces in the St Leger - but I'm taking on his favourite with this staying machine
- Weekend focus: 16-1 shot with family history stands out in Sprint Cup - but this is a win-only race