The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a race that everybody involved in horse racing looks forward to, with both nerves and anticipation. It is the most prestigious event on the European calendar and boasts an impressive winning purse of around 5 million. The crowd and atmosphere is one that remains unrivalled and unlike anything else on the racing calendar. It takes place at Longchamp and is run over 1 ½ miles (2,400 metres). Every year the Arc attracts the best horses to compete for the illustrious prize and this year is no different. 18 horses are set to line up and we take a look at some of the major contenders below.
Treve – (Current best price 1-1 at Paddy Power and William Hill)
We couldn’t start anywhere else but the magical history chasing Treve. She comes here seeking a hat-trick and she couldn’t have been any more impressive on her preparation run. She won with ease by 5l’s and if you take into consideration that last year she finished fourth in that same race then a price of even’s for this is about right. For win purposes I can’t see anything beating her but she is no price and for that reason I can’t back her.
Golden Horn – (current best price 5-1 at Betfair and Paddy Power)
To see Golden Horn available at 5-1 is ridiculous in my opinion. There is no other race where Golden Horn would be available at 5-1 other than the Arc. He is definitely overpriced that I’m sure off however to me the bookies are playing a very clever game. They don’t think he will win as do I and by pricing him at 5-1 they also limit the each way value available. To me personally you cannot argue with Golden Horn’s form and the form of his derby win is perhaps the best available in Europe this current year. However this horse’s last two races have raised huge question marks about both his stamina and also his capability to win this and that is why we see him priced at 5-1. In my opinion the horse has took a step backwards and I can’t back him for that reason alone.
New Bay – (current best price 5-1 is available at William Hill)
New Bay is a horse that is constantly improving and unlike Golden Horn I feel as though we haven’t seen the best of this horse yet. He won quite snuggly last time out at Longchamp and his course form is good. This trip looks perfect for him and rest assured he will be travelling the best of all come entering the straight. My main worry rests on the fact he hasn’t really been stretched all that much yet and when he was beaten by Make Believe he didn’t entirely show much grit and determination to fight back. He is an undoubtedly an improved horse since then and to me at 5-1 he seems a good each way bet.
Free Eagle – (current best price 16-1 is available with most bookmakers)
To me Free Eagle is way overpriced here. I’m sure he would of beat Golden Horn last time out when he was almost brought to a halt by Golden Horn who veered into him. He was travelling upsides at the time and looked a sure fire winner to me. Yes I understand he had the challenge of still having to pick up and hold on, but he has proved he can do this before so to me at 16-1 he really does represent the value here today. Will he beat Treve? Probably not but will he beat Golden Horn, New bay and Found? I’d take my chance on that.
Spiritjim – (current best price 66-1 is available at most bookmakers)
Most people will be wondering why on earth I have listed Spiritjim here on the shortlist however I have good reason too. Strictly speaking on time Postponed’s win was the fastest of all the Arc Trials at Longchamp and Spiritjim finished just half a length down. On time he should be bang there and if he can perform to a similar level then 66-1 looks an extremely inviting price to me.
Other horses to note are Found who has impressed this season without really showing enough to suggest he can win this. While Flintshire must be in with an each way squeak given some of the form she has produced. In addition the French raider Erupt has been nothing but impressive this year and comes here with a good chance.
How we bet for The Prix de l’Arc de triomphe? For me it has to Free Eagle at a big price of 16-1. She is in with a great each way chance in this while also a small each way bet on Spiritjim looks inviting too.
Free Eagle – 16-1 (1pt E/W)
Spiritjim – 66-1 (0.5pts E/W)
Good Luck, DG tips.
This blog post was provided by Tipsters Empire form man – DG Tips. To sign up visit their website