It’s Arc Weekend
October 4th, 2019 | Marten's Current Racing Diary
Hi there
It’s Arc weekend and plenty has been written about Enable, with the Racing Post’s well-respected judge Paul Kealy putting forward some sound reasons why the favourite “won’t be beaten.”
If that were the case, with his assertion that if the race were not the Arc then Enable would be nearer 1/3 than 8/11, the bookmakers would not be offering the longer price of the two.
In my view you can never be sure about fillies, especially in the autumn. Yes, Enable comes here trying for her 13th win on the trot – and her 11th Group 1 – but she was fortunate, in my view, to hold the luckless Sea Of Class in the race last year and this year’s field looks tougher.
Her draw in stall nine should not be a problem, with just 12 runners, and I am not remotely concerned about the fact that Urban Sea back in 1993 was the last horse to win from that stall.
Tactically Frankie Dettori and John Gosden will be aware that the mare is more a stayer than blessed with gears, so she is sure to be kept handy, possibly even lead.
It will be important for her to steal a couple of lengths early in the straight to withstand any of her rivals that can quicken – none more so than Sottsass. This son of Siyouni may not have the form to match the favourite but he is improving and has a turn of foot.
Aidan O’Brien had Japan at the top of his middle-distance group of three-year-olds back in the spring but it’s taken a while to get him to his peak. He handles easy ground but may not be as well equipped as a few of his rivals to handle the rough and tumble of the race.
Ghaiyyath will be ridden prominently so his high draw in stall 12 should not be an issue. He is a strong stayer with form on easy ground.
Magical is sure to run her race while Waldgeist has got close to the favourite in the past and will go well.
This promises to be a thriller, with tactics likely to play a leading role in the outcome.
Bye for now
Marten
