The Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe is the greatest flat race in Europe and will be run this Sunday (2nd October) over 12 furlongs at Longchamp in France. Workforce (pictured winning from Nakayama Festa a year ago) will be attempting to win the race for a second time. The last horse to do this was Alleged back in 1977 and 1978 ridden by Lester Piggott on both occasions.

The going looks as though it will be on the fast side of good which will not suit Workforce to produce his best form. So You Think has the beating of Workforce over 10 furlongs and he goes for the Arc as the owners lost Pour Moi’s participation due to injury. He is a tough horse but not proven over 12 furlongs although connections are sure he will stay. Sarafina finished third in the Arc last year after being quite badly hampered and her whole season this time has been geared to this race. She has form on the ground, has a fine turn of finishing speed and is favourite in a very open looking race. Snow Fairy will also like the ground conditions and she will have the services of Frankie Dettori.

The three year olds do get a weight concession from the older horses. The three year old filly Galikova, trained by Freddie Head, is a course and distance winner. There does seem to have been plenty of support for her and she receives 8lbs from the older fillies and 11lbs from the older horses. Masked Marvel who won the St Leger at Doncaster has been supplemented at a cost of 100,000 euros. As a three year old he receives 8lbs from the older horses. The gallop in the St Leger was relentless and Masked Marvel handled this very well. Provided he has recovered from his exertions he might well run into a place and could be the eachway value.