The weather often plays a major part on the outcome of Europe’s greatest Flat race and backing horses in the antepost market often comes with a risk attached, but conversely there are plenty of rewards if the going comes right for your selection on the day.
Last year the sun gods were with Ace Impact supporters as he scorched home in the brilliant sunshine, while on the flip side of the coin, the rain dancers were happy when the heavens opened for Torquator Tasso in the 100th edition of the race in 2021.
So which horses should we be keeping an eye on this season?
Those of you looking for a speculative outsider should give some thought to having a punt on Haya Zark (66/1 in our betting) and hope that there is plenty of precipitation around on Arc weekend.
Owned and trained by Mme Odette Fau, the five-year-old Haya Zark has been a revelation this season, after winning the Group 3 Prix Exbury for a second time at Saint-Cloud it was on to Longchamp in April where in landed the Group 1 Prix Ganay.
Fast forward another month and he lost nothing in defeat in the Prix d'Ispahan, going down by under a length to the high class mare Mqse De Sevigne. Most recently he finished second in the La Coupe De Maisons-Laffitte Stakes which I suspect was a warm up run for the big one in October.
Prior to this season, Haya Zark was left wanting when he was stepped up to Group 1 level but this year he has shown he can compete and if we get a “soggy” Arc I believe he is in with a great chance.
Another horse I believe will run well in this year’s renewal is the Andre Fabre-trained Sosie (7/1 in our horse racing betting).
Winner Market -
The Sea The Stars colt finished third in the Prix du Jockey Club but looked like he was crying out for a crack at the mile and a half.
He was rightly given his dream trip in the Grand Prix de Paris, quickening up in fine style to hold off the Queen’s Vase winner Illinois and the previously unbeaten Delius by two lengths.
Sosie will have his next prep for the Arc in the Prix on Trials Day, a race Fabre has already won 11 times, and should he win his odds will tumble once more.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien tends to have a few aces up his sleeve each season when it comes to the Arc and I do like the look of his four-year-old Continuous (25/1).
I first saw the Heart’s Cry-colt in person when he won the infamous 2022 running of the Prix Thomas Bryon at Saint-Cloud.
He then went from strength to strength after that, winning the Great Voltigeur and the St Leger and then finished just 3½ lengths behind Ace Impact in last year’s Arc after being supplemented for it.
Continuous appears to have gone under the radar somewhat for this year’s Arc, which is rather dangerous as his form lines are top notch.
Suggested bet: Sosie 8/1 (E/W)
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*
