Arc – quick ground & extraordinary self-belief

Looking back briefly to yesterday’s Arc the race was all about two things – the quick ground and the extraordinary self-belief of Frankie Dettori.

Both Golden Horn and Flintshire were proven at a high level on fast ground, and it was clear from the race-times and course records on the previous day’s card that the going was quick. Most of the other runners in the race, notably Treve, had shown their form on good or easier ground. Treve never looked at ease on the going – at least not to my eyes – while I felt New Bay did not pick up as well as he has in the past.

Frankie’s decision to tackle the pacemaker from his wide draw was inspired, requiring him to exercise his masterly judgement of pace. He had to believe that his mount would find enough in the straight to hold the late challengers and he did – remarkably for a colt for whom there had been stamina doubts earlier in the season.

Elsewhere on the card we need to keep Ultra in mind for middle-distance honours next season. The son of Manduro is sure to stay a mile and a half on breeding and it will be interesting to see whether he is campaigned next spring with a view to Epsom or Chantilly.