Meandre to get there

Pleasant day was had at a balmy Longchamp yesterday. Everything that was expected and more! Most pertinent lesson learnt was the influence of le Draw with French Navy never landing a blow from his outside berth. According to official sources the ground was good, but it appeared pretty quick to this eye.

And so, to the main event itself, the Prix De L'Arc. Highly competitive and without an obvious favourite, this year's renewal presents a difficult puzzle. Recent trends and stats suggest, we ought to be looking for a three year old drawn low. Reliable Man fits the bill but there is a strong doubt about his ability to act on the going. That leads us to his adversary, Meandre who showed his liking for the track and conditions in the Grand Prix de Paris. One can excuse his last performance in the Niel and one can reasonably expect master trainer Andre Fabre to have him in peak condition (a la Byword on Sat) this afternoon, particularly after forking out €100K in supplementary fees.

Market leaders Sarafina and So You Think demand consideration but the former needs luck in running and the latter may be undone by his starting position. Last year's victor Workforce has had an unsatisfactory season but one can be sure he will be well prepared and as he is one of this corner's favourites, he will get a second preference and won't go off unbacked.

The supporting card is of the highest standard and very much like the Freddy Head pair, Zatenda and Sofast in the juvenile contests.

bonne chance.....

Le Reconnaissance

Arrived and agog with excitement!! Greetings from the billet in Boulogne-Billancourt and looking forward immensely to our first visit to Hippodrome de Longchamp this afternoon. Today is very much about getting our bearings and sussing the lay of the land in advance of Sunday's Group 1 fest and of course, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Comments, impressions etc will be reported on in due course but at this stage with the mediterranean temperatures, it is difficult to predict anything but fast going for the big day.

This afternoon's card pales into insignificance but the Prix Dollar looks intriguing with Godolphin's improving French Navy looking to have an obvious chance.

bonne chance.....

Duncan to do the slaying this time ????

The highlight of the European flat season, the Prix de l'Arc augmented by a super supporting card takes place at Longchamp today. This year's renewal sees all the big guns represented in an open looking contest. Local reconnaissance reported heavy rain yesterday and suggests that the testing conditions will be the most salient factor.

Workforce is perhaps the horse with the greatest ability but one has to take his well being on trust. Currently little value but worth a bet at 10s or better. Ballydoyle send three, but hard to fancy Fame and Glory (not seen recently) and Cape Blanco (best at 10f), while Midas Touch (should be suited) is not good enough. Godolphin, in good form lately, run last year's third, Cavalryman (disappointing this season), who has solid place claims and looks as he if will benefit from the softer ground.

The Aga Khan has favourite, Behkabad who heads market, but offers little value and the promising Sarafina who may not get home. The other home contenders include Lope de Vega (stamina doubts) and Planteur, who is likely to be a popular selection but does not look good enough either.

In conclusion, the heavy going combined with lack of an outright favourite, and negatives over all the main players, we may have a surprise result and to that end, I expect a big run from Prix Foy winner, Duncan. By Dalakhani, who won this on holding conditions and trained by the shrewd John Gosden, he handled the track well last time and could give his connections due recompense for last year's injustice.

The supporting card is equally compelling with hopefully informative group 1 two year old contests (particularly the fillies races), the Foret which sees Goldikova and Paco Boy re oppose over 7f and the Opera where the unexposed Field Day is of interest.

enjoy and bonne chance....