The Arc trials were held at Longchamp Racecourse last Sunday and there was no lack of excitement. Two-time Arc winner Treve was phenomenal yet again, putting up an authoritative winning display in the G1 Prix Vermeille. It was her third win in the current campaign and I have to say it was definitely the easiest of all. Jockey Thierry Jarnet set her clear approaching the 600m mark, and she found an extra gear against her opponents. With Jarnet just riding her hands and heels and easing the great mare in the final 100m, she still won the race by a comfortable four-and-a-half lengths.
Clearly Treve is ready to take on the challenge of landing an unprecedented third win in the Arc. Her competition would likely need some remarkable improvements to land a blow against her, although Prix Foy winner Postponed is seemingly in the best form of his life at present while Prix Nielwinner New Bay continues his excellent progression. Epsom Derby winner Golden Horn also prepped well with an eventful victory in the Irish Champion Stakes last Saturday. It’s going to be a fascinating race and I tend to think that New Bay is likely to be the biggest threat for Treve.
Needless to say, I am really looking forward to my Paris visit on the first weekend in October, which coincides with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ annual meeting.
But the Arc is still two-and-a-half weeks away. That’s why I’d rather get on to this week's race meeting at the Valley, with the evening’s highlight being the Community Chest Cup.
The Community Chest, of which I am proudly a Member of the Board, sponsors a large number of social welfare agencies and provides many services to our community each year. Run as a Class 3 over 1,650m, The Community Chest Cup’s pace is expected to be slow which will give some advantage to horses racing in the front of the field. Trump normally races close and handy, without actually leading, but by default he may be left in front and have to lead here. Robust Momentum will likely be pushing forward to overcome his draw and to avoid being trapped wide. Young Ranger and Little Dragon should be well placed behind the leaders, with Royal Partner and Horse Of Fortune in midfield. Goldland Dancer and Imperial Concorde will be racing further back behind midfield, while Best Show and Happy Contender will be the backmarkers.
Royal Partner ran well last week over 1200m, which is too short for him but he made some ground up wide. His fitness should have been improved significantly. Being a three-time winner over this course and distance, he is my first choice in this race. Horse Of Fortune is working very well and he won a trial at Sha Tin last month. Being a course and distance winner, he’s my next choice. Robust Momentum has a fitness advantage having won last week over 1200m here at Happy Valley. He’s a top-three chance along with Trump, a course and distance winner who trials well earlier.
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