Expert Analysis

This was a particularly open-looking Arc, lacking any truly stand-out performers beforehand, but with every one of the 18 contenders rated between 114 and 120. In the end, 2 separated and battled out a stirring finish, coming far enough clear to think that they, at least, are high-class. The pace was good and resulted in a fast time for conditions that were on the soft side of good (but not greatly so). The draw may have played a small part, the first 2 drawn 2 and 1 but likely comfortably the best in the race anyway, and 3^rd/4^th also drawn low. The winner’s final 400m of 23.60s gives a 105.3% finishing speed which is close to par for this course and distance.

DARYZ (126 here, 114+ previously) had shaped better than the result at York then been given too much to do at 2000m here behind Croix du Nord, so it was no big surprise that he stepped forward significantly to win at his first go at a trip truly in line with his breeding. He was briefly short of room at the start, soon moved up into mid-field then tracking quite close up, travelling notably well, made an effort 450m out and slowly but surely hauled in the 2^nd as the pair went clear. He started his career just 6 months ago and has every chance of doing every bit as well as a 4yo if kept in training: he looks to be a slightly superior Arc winner of recent years.

MINNIE HAUK (122 here, 119 previously) gave everything in defeat and arguably ran her best race yet, tracking the pace travelling comfortably, leading 500m out and striking for home, briefly looking like having the race in the bag but steadily overhauled by the winner despite running on strongly herself. The good pace, softish conditions and positive ride played to her strengths and showed her in a good light, a properly high-class filly and game with it.

SOSIE (117 here, 120 previously) went one place better than in 2024, but was beaten further, in mid-field, off the bridle some way out but eventually staying on well and close to his best form.

GIAVELLOTTO (117 here, 120 previously) ran well and goes into the winter global season without many miles on the clock recently, in mid-field, some headway 500m out and staying on, if not as strongly as a few others.

BYZANTINE DREAM (116+ here, 119 previously) was first home from a high draw, though his jockey did his best to negate it by taking back and getting on the rail, bumping a rival at halfway, improving 400m out but flattening out near the end.

ARROW EAGLE (115 here and previously) made late headway from the rear, possibly not the most co-operative at times, but running well in the end.

KALPANA (111 here, 118 previously) ran Calandagan to a length at Royal Ascot but has otherwise seemed not quite as good this year as last, going Ok in mid-field but edging right when making headway 400m out and fading late on.

LEFFARD (115 here, 118 previously) could be an interesting one for next year, and for what remains of this one, again looking like finishing in rear for a long way (not helped by being hampered at halfway) but ultimately doing quite good work at the death. His Grand Prix de Paris defeat of Trinity College came in a fast time and looks kosher, while he should get further if asked.

QUISISANA (107 here, 115 previously) seemed beaten more for ability than stamina.

HOTAZHELL (111 here, 117 previously) failed to get home having gone quite freely and led at one stage early. He has been highly tried every start this year, to no avail, but retains the ability to make his mark in G2/G3 company.

AVENTURE (106 here, 119 previously) looked as good as the filly who finished 2^nd in this 12 months ago for a long way, travelling sweetly in mid-field, but found little when asked. She has had far more on days than off days overall.

WHITE BIRCH (109 here, 116 previously) may not be quite as good as he was, but is probably better around 10f in any case, never quite on terms and bumped at halfway.

GEZORA (106 here, 115 previously)

CROIX DU NORD (109 here, 119 previously) did plenty up front from his wide draw, having been in 2^nd early, still with every chance 400m out then capitulating.

CUALIFICAR (108 here, 115 previously) had something to find but was still rather disappointing, always behind.

ALOHI ALII (102 here, 116 previously) was a doubtful stayer but beaten too far out to blame that alone.

LOS ANGELES (88 here, 119 previously) went as if not himself (and that has arguably been the case previously this season), quickly beaten after racing close up.