This weekend we have one of the most influential middle distance races on the calendar to look forward to, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday.
Sprinters
Staying at Longchamp, and the top sprinters line up in the Prix de l'Abbaye. The market is headed by the Robert Cowell trained Nunthorpe winner Jwala. Her win in the York Group 1 didn't look like a fluke and Cowell has really made a name for himself for his handling of his sprinters. In the big scheme of things she isn't too exposed with five wins from her 15 starts and she is blessed with plenty of speed which she will need over the five furlongs at Longchamp.
Away from the Longchamp features, Moonlight Cloud should be hard to beat in the Prix de la Foret over the seven furlong trip that seems to suit her best. Sadly, this could be the last time we see her on a racecourse, but she's an exceptional race mare and I hope she goes out on a high.
I hope Sandiva can win the Prix Marcel Boussac for Richard Fahey. She won over seven furlongs at Deauville last time out and if she stays a mile in this will run a big race. Ryan Moore takes over from the injured Frankie Dettori and the racing on Sunday could make for more painful viewing than his fracture judging on the rides he is missing. Secret Gesture could be another horse to run well for the Brits, she's in the Prix de l'Opera. The Oaks runner up ran well behind The Fugue last time out in the Yorkshire Oaks and looks capable of winning a Group 1.
A real puzzle
The feature race on Saturday is the seven furlong Heritage Handicap, the Challenge Cup at Ascot and it looks a real puzzle. Ascription is one of the protagonists for Hugo Palmer and Kieren Fallon, but the top weight is ground dependant and needs some give underfoot. He was taken out of last week's Cambridgeshire due to the good to firm ground and therefore isn't one to back until the day when we have a clearer idea about conditions. I think I would also prefer to see him over a mile+ so for me is one to leave alone at the prices.
Big Johnny D is one of a couple in this with a chance for trainer David Barron. The trip is ideal and he seems to handle most ground and he is improving. I like his other runner though, Bertiewhittle. This horse hasn't won for a couple of years, but has been knocking on the door in decent races and his latest second at Doncaster would suggest his turn can't be far away. He isn't obviously well handicapped but he is threatening to win a decent pot and this could be his opportunity. Whatever happens, David Barron must be happy with his two runners.
The Ed Vaughan trained Redvers won over this course and distance last time out and has been raised just 3lbs for the privilege. Richard Hannon has a couple of runners with Wentworth the pick under Ryan Moore. He would prefer a bit of rain to fall, although doesn't want extremes, he's a decent horse and can run well. Loving Spirit ran well on the all weather at Kempton last time out, but he's not prolific and may not be incredibly well handicapped. It's a tough one to sort out but I like Bertiewhittle and Wentworth. The latter is just a 3 year-old so I'll go for the battle hardened Bertiewhittle to win under Jamie Spencer.
Selections:
Saturday
Bertiewhittle in the Challenge Cup @ 12/1 with Sky Bet
Sunday Longchamp
Kizuna in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe @ 8/1 with Sky Bet
Al Kazeem in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe @ 14/1 (each way)
Jwala in the Prix de l'Abbaye @ 6/1 with Sky Bet
Moonlight Cloud in the Prix de la Foret
Sandiva in the Prix Marcel Boussac
Secret Gesture in the Prix de l'Opera
