 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
This year's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has enlisted 73 contenders, including City Of Troy and Ylang Ylang, the top picks for the Derby and Oaks, who are among the ten nominated by Aidan O'Brien. An intriguing detail is the inclusion of 19 three-year-old fillies, making up 26 percent of the total entries. Among them, Ylang Ylang and stablemate Opera Singer stand out, with the latter being a dominant victor of the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc day in 2023. Additionally, O'Brien has submitted Auguste Rodin, as well as stayers Kyprios and Tower Of London.
Ralph Beckett has entered his two recent Oaks trial winners, Forest Fairy and You Got To Me, among the three-year-old fillies. Additionally, Qipco 1,000 Guineas fourth Tamfana and Sunday's Poule d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Rouhiya are also featured.
Three entries from Japanese trainers add quality to the mix, with Arima Kinen winner Do Deuce, Shin Emperor – a brother to 2020 Arc winner Sottsass – and Regaleira, a rare filly to take on the colts when sixth in last month's Satsuki Sho (2,000 Guineas) for Tetsuya Kimura, trainer of last season's world champion Equinox.
Arabian Crown and Ancient Wisdom are the only two entries from Charlie Appleby, both leading Derby hopefuls, while John and Thady Gosden's four potential contenders include Arrest, Emily Upjohn, Musidora favorite Friendly Soul, and Siyola, who secured a victory on debut at Sandown last month for Juddmonte.
Among the eight potential entries for eight-time winning trainer Andre Fabre, French Guineas third Alcantor holds the highest rating. Jean-Claude Rouget has engaged five horses, including Arrow Eagle, a half-brother to last year's Arc winner Ace Impact.
Additionally, last season's Prix de Diane third Tasmania, who has joined Arc-winning trainer Sir Mark Prescott, is also featured, holding entries in the Pretty Polly and the Coral-Eclipse.