Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Tips

2021 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Tips – Andrew Blair White

The Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe is one of the most special races of the calendar for both jumps and flat fans alike, as it sees the majority of the best 1m4f horses in the world coming together in a huge burn up. This year looks no different as it is a stellar field that will be encountering the prestigious Longchamp event. Form lines from throughout the year will all be tested against each other, and it will be very interesting to see who comes out on top in this superb renewal.

The favourite is Tarnawa, who comes into this race after a brave second in the Irish Champion Stakes over a trip short of her best. She was interfered with in the straight that day, and did well to finish as closely as she did. Her prior form at the backend of last year was also incredible, including a win on this card last year in the Prix De L’Opera and a terrific win in the Breeders Cup Turf under a superb ride from Colin Keane. Keane has not retained the ride, with Aga Khan retained rider, Christophe Soumillon, stepping back into the plate. She would have to have a massive chance in this race.

The same can be said for Adayar, who comes here as the Derby and King George winner and will be looking to complete a brilliant year for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. However, I wouldn’t be sure whether it has been completely plain sailing for this horse since that Ascot win and missing his intended prep run must not be ideal going into this sort of race. William Buick has decided to ride this horse over his stablemate Hurricane Lane, which is not surprising given his profile and should be taken very seriously as a result. However, the two horses I like in this race come at slightly bigger prices.

Starting off with my favourite flat horse of the season, and I’m hoping that it won’t be one step too many for the likeable Hurricane Lane, who will have the assistance of James Doyle on his back. The record for winners of the St Leger going into the Arc is not one to fill you with much confidence, but this horse has been so tough and durable that you could not rule out another big performance from this horse. Having won a backend maiden last year at Newmarket, this horse has done nothing but improve this year including winning the Irish Derby, Grand Prix de Paris and St Leger. That does mean he has had a hard year and he did look tired after his win last time out, but given the way this horse runs and his form on the forecast ground over this trip, he might have one more big run in him. At a current price of 6/1 with the majority of bookies, I’ll be backing him each way.

The other horse that I will be gladly throwing into the mix is Alenquer for William Haggas, who really could outrun his big odds if repeating some of the form that he has already managed to produce so far this season. After winning a maiden and coming second in his two runs as a 2YO, Alenquer was perhaps a shock victor of the Sandown classic trial at the start of the season, beating subsequent Derby winner, Adayar in the process. He then went to Royal Ascot and won impressively over 1m4f on softening ground, showing a combination of gears and attitude to go and win. He was perhaps given too much to do behind Hurricane Lane in France when finishing third, and then was a respectable second behind Mishriff at York last time. This return to 1m4f on softer ground should suit a lot more, and at a price of 33/1 with William Hill, who are offering 3 places each way, he should be backed also.