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| Sumita Pawar |
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The connections of the unbeaten Group One winner, Ace Impact, will be pleased if the conditions dry out before the race. The runners for the 2023 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe include Ace Impact, who had a comfortable victory at Deauville recently, ensuring that his preparations for the race were on track without overexertion. With his final workout at Deauville likely to have brought him to peak fitness, there is a good chance that Jean-Claude Rouget's colt can provide his trainer with his second Arc winner after Sottsass in 2021. The only concern would be the 1m4f trip, which Ace Impact hasn't been tested over.
Hukum’s triumph in the King George, his last start, indicates that he possesses the stamina over the distance and will benefit from the ground becoming drier.
Westover's connections are determined to keep their charge fresh and beat their old rival. Ralph Beckett's horse has a good profile and a successful season behind him, making him a strong contender for victory. Despite a disappointing result in this race last year, the son of Frankel has since proven himself to be one of the best horses over 1m4f. If he gets a decent draw, he is set for another impressive performance.
Aidan O'Brien has had mixed results in the past at the Arc, and this season looks to be no different with only St Leger winner Continuous expected to compete. 3YO colts have struggled in recent Arc races, and winners of the final Classic of the season have an even worse record when trying to double up in Paris. However, Sir Michael Stoute's Bay Bridge could be the surprise winner of this year's renewal.
Bay Bridge won the Qipco Champions Stakes at Ascot last October, and despite some setbacks, he showed great potential in his most recent performance at Kempton. He stayed on strongly in the closing stages of the race, and his impressive time figure suggests he could be a real contender over 1m4f. With ideal conditions on Sunday, he has a good chance of victory.
Feed The Flame and Simca Mille are also strong contenders, with the former having put in a decent effort in an Arc trial and the latter boasting several strong form lines over the same course and distance.