Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe Selection

We were out of luck at Newmarket earlier with Vote, but as it turned out she was drawn on the wrong side. I was very surprised to see her racing so prominently in the early stages, as I thought she would be held up for a late run. Even though she was a couple of lengths clear of her group on the far side, when the camera panned out you could see that the near side group was at least 5 or 6 lengths to the good. The first three home were drawn 30, 19 and 25, so clearly a high draw was a big advantage.

The draw is also vitally important at Chantilly tomorrow where the crème de la crème of World Racing will gather for the 94^th running of the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe. Japan will be looking for a first win in the race with the exciting 3yo Deep Impact colt Makahiki. Postponed is a warm order for the on fire Roger Varian, and he will be sent off favourite from his decent draw in stall 7.

Postponed is likely to be sent off at 2/1 or shorter, but at much fancier odds I think Silverwave can run a big race for local trainer Pascal Bary and superstar jockey Christophe Soumillon. This 4yo Silver Frost colt was moved to Bary’s yard after a more than creditable 10^th place finish in this race last year, staying on nicely to be beaten less than 6L.

Heavy ground was no good to him on debut for Bary here over 10f, but he was placed in two Group 1s on his next two starts (10.5f gd St Cloud and 9f hvy Chantilly). He was then stepped back up to 12f next time out in a Group 1 at St Cloud (gd) and he landed his first win at the highest level by 1.25L from Erupt. He was put way after that July win and he reappeared three weeks ago in a Group 2 back at Chantilly over today’s trip on good ground.

He won that 4 runner contest as he was entitled to, and he comes into this race a better horse than he was last year. His usual partner Maxime Guyon is unable to ride due to other commitments, but Soumillon is a more than able deputy. He is a multiple group 1 winner, and he is one of the coolest customers around. 

Silverwave has a lovely draw in stall 4, and that should allow him to get a good position just off the pace. Bary has won many Group contests during his career, but so far an Arc has eluded him. Hopefully Silverwave can bring home the bacon for him tomorrow and, with trip, track and ground all sure to suit, he is the each way suggestion at 22/1 .

STEVOS’ SELECTION: SILVERWAVE E/W 22/1