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ParisLongchamp is gearing up for a thrilling Qatar Arc Trials day on Sunday, with a star-studded cast of equine talent set to grace the turf. The meeting, sponsored by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), serves as the final stepping stone to the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend next month.
The Gr.1 Qatar Prix Vermeille, run over the Arc course and distance of 2,400m, takes centre stage with a mouthwatering lineup of 12 fillies and mares. Al Shaqab Racing's Sparkling Plenty, winner of the Prix de Diane Longines, will face stiff competition from Aidan O'Brien's recent Qatar Nassau Stakes heroine Opera Singer.
Dual Group One winner Emily Upjohn aims to add another top-level success to her CV, while Juddmonte's Bluestocking, victorious in the Pretty Polly Stakes, brings strong form to the table. The French challenge is spearheaded by Group winners Survie, Birthe, Dare To Dream, Halfday, Aventure, and Mosaique.
Recent Vermeille winners have gone on to achieve further glory, with last year's victor Warm Heart subsequently landing the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. The 2022 winner Sweet Lady added the Prix Jean Romanet to her tally, while 2021 heroine Teona went on to capture the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
The Gr.1 PA Qatar Cup - Prix Dragon, a 2,000m contest for Purebred Arabians, serves as a key prep for the Qatar Arabian World Cup. Al Shaqab Racing fields a strong duo in Group One winner Al Tammtam and the consistent Al Wakrah, both trained by Jean de Mieulle.
They face François Rohaut's Ch'Ezza, winner of The President of the UAE Cup - Coupe d'Europe des chevaux arabes, and Thomas Fourcy's charge Nabucco Al Maury.
The Qatar Cup has been a springboard to further success in recent years. Al Shaqab's Ghadah, last year's winner, went on to claim the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments, while 2022 victor Teema added the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches to her resume. The 2021 winner, Ebraz, completed an impressive Doha Triple Crown.
The Gr.2 Qatar Prix Foy has drawn a select field of five, including last year's winner Iresine, who will be partnered again by Marie Velon. He faces stern opposition from 2023 Grand Prix de Paris hero Feed The Flame and St Leger winner Continuous.
Al Shaqab Racing's Look De Vega, successful in the Grand Prix de Chantilly, and this year's Grand Prix de Paris victor Sosie complete the lineup, with both eyeing a tilt at the Arc next month.
The Gr.3 Qatar Prix du Pin has attracted a field of 10, featuring Wathnan Racing's duo Shartash and Dark Trooper. They'll take on Group Three winner Topgear, trained by Christopher Head, and Group One-placed Exxtra from the C&Y Lerner yard.
Sprinters take centre stage in the Gr.3 Qatar Prix du Petit Couvert, with a bumper field of 15 declared. Wathnan Racing's Rogue Lightning squares off against Aidan O'Brien's Group Two winner Aesop's Fables and the Pascal Bary-trained Group Three victor Monteille.
The Qatar Arc Trials day, part of Qatar's commitment to promoting global racing, has significantly boosted the event's profile and prestige. With the eyes of the racing world firmly fixed on ParisLongchamp, Sunday's action promises to provide vital clues for the upcoming Arc weekend.