Hope for ‘Stars’ as all-quality Arc returns to Longchamp

Europe’s defining all-aged contest, the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, is set to live up to its top billing on its return to Longchamp following a two-year absence.

Outstanding fillies Found (2016) and Enable (2017) are in the record books as the two Arc winners at Chantilly, a substitute venue that found favour with most while a new grandstand was being built at the race’s traditional home.

So, there is now a chance that Enable could win herself a unique place in racing history as the only winner of Arcs at two different racecourses. Don’t rule it out, as she is one of 19 declared for Sunday’s renewal.

Having said that, Godolphin are very well represented by last year’s gallant Arc runner-up, Cloth Of Stars, and a most popular Breeders’ Cup Turf winner, Talismanic. Both (pictured together) are trained by Andre Fabre, who attempts to win the Arc for the eighth time.

Cloth Of Stars finished a decent third behind Waldgeist and Talismanic in the G2 Prix Foy at Longchamp last month, and according to Fabre, the five-year-old is on the upward curve again.

“He’s in great form and has had a good preparation for this race. He has the acceleration of a top-class horse on his day, as he showed when he ran a very good race to finish second to Enable,” Fabre pointed out.

“I feel he is going into this race as well as we can have him, and should things go right for him, he can run well.

“There are more questions to be answered this year compared to last year, so we’re more hopeful than confident of a big run, although he is outwardly in top form, appearing to be very well in himself,” he added.

The versatile Talismanic, who attracts attention everywhere because of his distinctive markings, has also pleased the trainer, who has nothing but praise for this handsome son of Medaglia D’Oro.

“While his form suggests he has a bit to find with the principals, I am hopeful that he, too, can run a good race,” Fabre said.

“His strength lies in his great attitude and his adaptability. I am not concerned about the going conditions, and I hope he produces his best and gives His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, as well as his many fans, some excitement in the race,” he added.

Mickael Barzalona remains aboard Talismanic, while Vincent Cheminaud is on Cloth Of Stars —  same riding arrangements as in the Prix Foy.

Apart from Enable and the three-year-old filly Sea Of Class, Fabre’s third runner, Waldgeist, in the colours of German-based Gestut Amerland, has strong claims in an Arc, in which there are nine three-year-old runners.