Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is one of the most hotly anticipated races of the flat season and brings huge crowds from all around to Longchamp Racecourse in Paris. Owners, trainers, and jockeys all eye up the race from the very early stages of the season given the riches on offer and the prestige of the trophy, widely regarded as the most-sought title in European racing.
Historical Legacies
A number of great horses have won the event in its history, including the outstanding filly Enable under the guidance of Frankie Dettori and trainer John Gosden. Since Enable’s last triumph in 2018, the race has been a wide-open affair and the 2023 iteration of the contest appears to be following a similar pattern, with no truly outstanding horse emerging from the pack across Europe.
Is there another competitor in the odds for betting on horse racing that can match Torquator Tasso’s incredible run to victory in 2021 as a 72/1 outsider? Probably not, but there are a number of stronger contenders with points to prove.
Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin has all the credentials needed to win the Arc. He was considered one of the top horses ahead of the 2023 flat racing season in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and named favorite for the 2,000 Guineas. But, he endured a nightmare performance and finished down in 12th to leave his reputation in tatters.
AUGUSTE RODIN WINS THE DERBY! pic.twitter.com/zoqZoH54tX
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 3, 2023
Trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore needed a response from their charge at The Derby, where his performance at Newmarket affected his odds for the famous race at Epsom Downs. Auguste Rodin would unleash the perfect response to clinch the second classic of the season, defeating King of Steel in a sprint on the line by half-a-length. He seems to have all the attributes, but O’Brien has not trained a winner at the Arc since 2016. So, something will need to change.
Ace Impact
Ace Impact has been in action throughout the year in France, notching four-straight wins to start his career. The Irish thoroughbred has been nurtured by Jean-Claude Rouget, who trained the 2020 winner of the Arc, Sottsass, and he will be eyeing a second win at the event due to the impressive form of his charge. The three-year-old delivered a brilliant performance to win the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly in June.
CRACKSMAN has sired his first Gr1 winner/Classic winner. Absolutely brillant.
— Jess Samy (@FrankelWatch13) June 4, 2023
ACE IMPACT, a stunning winner of the French Derby. pic.twitter.com/YVDlVm2vqE
It was the second year in a row that Rouget claimed the crown, and Ace Impact was on his mettle to defeat his nearest rival Maniatic by one-and-three-quarter lengths. The dominance of his display has put Ace Impact among the leading contenders for the crown, and he could even go one better than his stable-mate Vadeni, who narrowly missed out last season at the Arc, finishing just behind Alpinista.
Outsiders
Vadeni could be one to watch at odds of 20/1 after missing out last season, although the French thoroughbred has not been at his best this term. Luxembourg defeated Vadeni at the Tattersalls Gold Cup in Curragh and has an excellent pedigree in the UK and Ireland.
Bay Bridge can also make a run at the Arc to hand Sir Michael Stoute his first winner at the event since 2010. He will need to elevate his performances though against elite competition. 2021 Derby winner Adayar could also be one to watch after his victory at the Gordon Richards Stakes to kick off the season. These outsiders all have top ability and have solid prices to win the Arc, which given the recent history of the race could be worth a look.
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