Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Preview
The first Sunday in October always signifies a huge event in the European horse racing calendar: the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. All of the elite competitors in the world of European racing are descending on Paris. As such, it promises to be a fascinating week of racing. Because of the level of competitiveness, all the horses are out to win and the odds and stakes are higher than ever. Check out our Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe tips so you can get in on the money-making action.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Handicap
The ‘Arc’ was first run at Longchamp in 1920. Since then, it has established itself as the elite race on the European Horse Racing Calendar.
The race is the highlight of the three-day meeting at Longchamp; with a prestigious roll-call of past winners and winning trainers, winning the ‘Arc’ is the pinnacle of any flat horse/jockey’s career. It’s not just the prestige the jockeys and owners are after, however. The staggering 5 million euro prize pot makes it the third most lucrative horse race in the world. With nearly 3 million going to the winning horse, it’s the world’s richest turf race.
Ran over 1 and a half miles, the Group 1 flat race is for three-year-olds and over (excluding geldings).
Date & Time
Sunday 7th October 2018 – 14:00 (GMT)
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Outright Winner Odds:-
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the pinnacle of European flat racing; as you can imagine, the 2018 edition looks to be no different. John Gosden’s protégée Enable is back to defend its unbeaten record and 2017 victory at Longchamp. However, with many Group 1 winners littered throughout the field, it promises to be a fascinating race in Paris.
Here are the key runners and riders for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe:
Enable – 5/4 (William Hill) –
John Gosden’s record-breaking Enable returns to Longchamp as the defending champion; this is despite the fact he has almost a year out following a training setback. He looked back to his best when tearing up a relatively strong field at Kempton earlier this month. As such, he is far and away the standout horse in this field.
Sea Of Class – 6/1 (888 Sport) –
William Haggas’s three year old is in the midst of a four-race winning streak; his most recent wins being at York in August. Therefore, he looks well equipped to compete on the biggest stage. With four wins and a second-place since his emergence in April of this year, Sea Of Class is a relatively inexperienced horse but that may help when it comes to not being daunted by the occasion.
Cracksman – 8/1 (Bet365) –
Yet another horse of real pedigree from the much-fancied John Gosden, Clarehaven Stables; Cracksman has also enjoyed a prolific season – winning at Longchamp back in April as well as at Epson before a second at Ascot back in June. With no question marks at all over the trip, Cracksman looks a little overpriced for this one.
Waldgeist – 9/1 (BetBright) –
It has been a remarkable season for the Fabre trained Waldgeist, with four consecutive wins for the season coming in France between May and September. This includes two victories coming in over the same course and distance at Longchamp. Of course, the calibre of horses in the ‘Arc’ field is more established. However, he could be a decent outside shout.
Poet’s Word – 14/1 (Betsson) –
Sir Michael Stoute’s 5-year-old has had a remarkable season – with 3 wins and a 2nd place from 4 races – including back to back wins at Ascot in June and July. With Sir Michael Stoute not having a winner in the race since Workforce in 2010, Poet’s Word could well be the horse to end the drought in what has been a mixed season for Stoute’s yard.
Kew Gardens – 16/1 (Coral) –
One of the form horses on the European scene at the moment – epitomised by his impressive win in the St Leger Stakes – Kew Gardens looks to be arriving in Paris as one of the contenders to Enable’s crown. With a Grand Vase and Grand Prix de Paris also in the bag, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe would top off the season in remarkable fashion.
Crystal Ocean – 20/1 (William Hill) –
Another of Sir Michael Stoute’s hopes for the race, Crystal Ocean has come of age this season with 3 wins and two 2nd place finishes from 5 races. Despite not having much competition in many of the races this term, the 4-year-old has the look of a top-class sprinter and when he’s in the mood can turn on the style. He’s one to watch in a congested field.
Roaring Lion – 20/1 (Ladbrokes) –
Roaring Lion is the next contender to emerge from John Gosden’s apparent conveyor belt of top horses. This three-year-old has had a breakthrough season, with four wins and two 3rd place finishes – including three consecutive race wins in the build-up to the ‘Arc’. Question marks lie in the suitability to competing at this level but if Gosden thinks he’s up to the task, that’s an indicator of his credentials.
Top Pick – Enable – 5/4 (William Hill)
Each Way Pick – Cracksman – 8/1 (Bet365)
For more betting tips and odds, click here.