Our resident tipster “The Stanimal” reviews one of the most prestigious races on the horse racing calendar the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp Racecourse, Paris..
The 2yo Diamond Necklace, sire St Mark’s Basilica continues to look an impressive filly for Aiden O’Brien winning her 3rd race and keeping her unbeaten record at Longchamp Paris in the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac. Running on very soft ground, midfield ridden and pressed leaders 2f out, lead 1f out and kept on well quickening again on the last 100yards to beat Green Spirit comfortably by a length.
Confirming herself as a filly of real Classic promise, I can’t see her being beaten even though there is a huge amount of fine fillies this year. My tip for the fillies Classic.
The colts race Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1) went to trainer Aiden O’Brien as well with Christophe Soumillon aboard Puerto Rico claiming a cosy victory by 2½lengths, this surprised me him even running was a great surprise especially as it was his seventh outing and only second time running at seven furlongs having previously winning his maiden the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster beating John and Thady Gosden’s Oxagan by a length. Jockey Soumillion said he was “all speed” but I saw the further he went the stronger he looked and a mile and mile and quarter is certainly within his reach and I believe he could surprise us all by becoming Aiden O’Brien’s international Group 1 winner next year maybe even this year especially if he goes to America. I like him, I like him alot!
Third placed Rayif trained by F-H Graffard and owned by Aga Khan Studs Sc, looked very good and we will see alot of this 2yo colt next year in the French Guineas, French Derby and Arc and I believe he will vie for all of these and possibly win most. The very same connections went on to win the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Daryz beating the very brave Minnie Hauk, she was unlucky but as a 4yo next year she will be very hard to beat so put her in your black book.
Going back to Daryz, sired by the great Sea The Stars and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, Daryz claimed the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in a heart stopping finish, both drew clear by 5½lengths but Daryz overhauled hot favourite Minnie Hauk in the dying metres to seal victory.
Unraced as a two-year-old, he won his first four races as a 3yo going to York unbeaten for the Juddemont International coming last behind Ombudsman by 12½lengths. This time round the three-year-old colt knuckled down bravely to just beat Minnie Hauk but I feel that when they meet again the tables will be turned as Ryan Moore will be back from injury so Minnie Hauk stays firmly in my book!
