I guess Sunday is all about Longchamp, was it not for the big race of the year then it would be a day off. Huntingdon Kelso and Uttoxeter holds little appeal to be honest, a true sign that National Hunt racing is well underway. So who will win the Arc?
There is some great racing at Longchamp today with plenty of group one races. We start with the group 1 Prix de L’abbaye de Longchamp (12:35) , a very valuable sprint which I think can go to the improving Swiss Diva. She has course and distance winning form and I think is a real solid bet here to win despite having been overtaken as favourite in the ante-post market by Lady Of the Desert through one a group to at Ascot last time out. Swiss Diva will handle the ground and the course and though this is competitive this is my best bet of the day.
I think Wotton Bassett has a huge chance of landing a group 1 here at Longchamp (1:45) but will have to beat King Torus to do so. Richard Hannon’s colt as a group to win to his name but Wootton Bassett is a very speedy sort who has been pot hunting in the sales racers and comes here with a four race unbeaten run and a very healthy bank account. I hope he does it and London nightspot for the Richard Fahey team.
Goldikova (2:20) could land another group 1 despite being below par last time when beaten by 2000 Guineas winner Makfi. Despite that she showed her class by finishing in front of Paco Boy and I think can do so again. This is a wonderful man who has class in abundance and will go from here for a third successive win attempt at the Breeders Cup next month.
So, the big one, the Arc. A very tough race to say the least, one of course last year by Sea the Stars, with Youmzain (3:05) second yet again. I will risk an each way bet on Mick Channon’s consistent horse in his last race. Wouldn’t it be fitting if he was to win the race in which he has been denied by Dylan Thomas, Zarkarva and Sea the Stars in the last three years. There would be no bigger deserved win this year in any race, so I will stick with Youmzain.
Good look enjoyed a great day of racing!














