Saturday, October 04, 2008

The Arc

Sixteen go to post for what looks a very strong renewal of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, billed as the richest turf race in the world. Opinion is divided about the unbeaten filly Zarkava who showed an exceptional turn of foot to win the Vermeille after forfeiting six lengths at the start. A repeat of that trick tomorrow from stall one will make winning all but impossible. This is the first time she races against colts and geldings and older horses; at the prices available I'm prepared to take the favourite on. Of the O'Brien pair, I prefer Soldier Of Fortune to Duke Of Marmalade as he comes to this a fresh horse. 'The Duke' is tough but has had a long hard season; I note he's drawn in stall fourteen - in the last ten years only two horses have won from a double figure draw. Overnight rain will improve Soldier Of Fortune's chances but will hinder The Duke. In the Weekender both Nick Mordin and Alistair Whitehouse-Jones use the stats to select Vision D'Etat. It promises to be a fascinating race; I take Soldier Of Fortune to collect the spoils. The best each-way value could be Mick Channon's Youmzain who was a close second in this last year behind Dylan Thomas. Whatever happens, let's hope we have a race to remember.

1 comment:

GeeDee said...

I didn't believe the filly Zarkava (13/8f)could win the Arc but she beat allcommers with a truly sensational performance that must put her up with the best winners of this famous race. Occasions of such brilliance on a racecourse are rare indeed; those who were at the track will have witnessed something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Zarkava becomes the first filly to win the Arc in fifteen years and I think I'm correct in saying the first horse to win the race from stall one.
Soldier Of Fortune (9/2) ran a fine race in defeat, dead-heating for third spot with 150/1 shot It's Gino.
Youmzain (12/1) finished second for the second year in succession - a sterling effort from Mick Channon's charge - but there was only one horse in this race, her name Zarkava.
Let's hope connections keep her in training next year.