With the flat season nearing its conclusion in Britain, attention invariably turns to the G1 Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly next month (October 1) and what looks set to be a mouth-watering renewal of the 12 furlong event.
Ballydoyle maestro Aidan O'Brien saddled the first three home in last year's Arc courtesy of superstar mare Found, leading home stable companions Highland Reel and Order of St George and he has been the centre of attention this week as he looks to lay out his Arc plans.
Highland Reel, an impressive winner of the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot this term, was not suited by the soft conditions at the Berkshire venue in July in the King George but he is set to take his chance in France, for which he is a general 12/1 shot.
Order Of St George, narrowly beaten by Big Orange in a thrilling renewal of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, looked back to his best last time with a facile front running victory in the Irish St Leger and he could offer value in the Arc market at 12/1 with Ladbrokes.
Fresh from success in last week's St Leger at Doncaster, imposing grey Capri is also a potential runner according to the master of Ballydoyle and he impressed with the way he ground out victory under Ryan Moore at Town Moor to land the final British Classic of the season. Three-year-olds have a good record in the race and the Magic Sign make the Irish Derby winner a 14/1 shot for Arc glory.
O'Brien could however launch a sensational four-pronged attack at the prestigious event if Winter, who has lit up the fillies mile and 10 furlong division this year, is declared to run. Winner of four successive G1's, including the English and Irish 1000 Guineas and G1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, she tasted defeat to stable companion Hydrangea in the Matron Stakes last time and is untested over 12 furlongs.
That leaves arguably the world's best jockey Ryan Moore, fresh from joining an esteemed list of riders to win all five British Classics with a tough decision over which of Ballydoyle's powerhouses to partner on October 1.
Ladbrokes make 'Superman' 7/4 to ride Winter, 5/2 Highland Reel, Capri 3/1 and Order Of St George at 4/1, indicating that there will be some tasty spare rides for some jockeys to pick up following Moore's decision.
The Magic Sign also go 4/7 that the Arc winner is trained in Britain and 7/2 in Ireland. Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes commented: "Ryan Moore will have a tricky decision deciding who to ride in the Arc, but if Winter shows up, we are convinced he will favour her."
English and Irish Oaks heroine Enable, who has since gone to land the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks on the Knavesmire is the even money favourite ahead of stable mate Cracksman (6/1) and Juddmonte International winner Ulysses (8/1) for the G1 showpiece next month.
OddsBible Racing's Danny Archer's verdict
It's an interesting dilemma for Aidan O'Brien as looking at the dam's side of Winter breeding, despite being a daughter of Galileo, you wouldn't be sure she would stay the Arc trip and the Prix de l'Opera run on the same day, for which she is a general 3/1 favourite might be more suitable for the three-year-old filly. Irish St Leger winner Order Of St George may also head down under for a crack at the Melbourne Cup but he ran so well in last year's Arc and if connections were positive again on and tried to dictate at Chantilly, he could really stretch the field. Highland Reel wouldn't want the ground to be too soft and Capri could surprise a few people.
However, if it was my decision, I'd ride Order Of St George. Yes, it can be tough to lead in an Arc but he just kept finding from the front in the Irish St Leger last time and those positive tactics really seemed to do the trick and this trip is on the short side for him, so you could really bring his stamina into play.
Who will Ryan Moore ride in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe:
7/4 Winter, 5/2 Highland Reel, 3 Capri, 4 Order Of St George.
Words by: Danny Archer
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