Events / Graham Cunningham / 03 October 2009 / Leave a comment

Greatness beckons at Longchamp if Sea The Stars can make it six Group 1 wins in six separate months against the cream of Europe's middle distance horses in the Prix de l'Arc Triomphe. But seeing history in the making is all the more satisfying if you can blend it with trousering a few of those lovely coarse Euro banknotes. Racing UK analyst Graham Cunningham aims to offset punitive Parisian partying prices with a range of options on Europe's most star studded day of the Flat season.

"Fame And Glory is 0-2 in his clashes with STS, but he ran a cracker after a break when chasing home John Oxx’s colt in the Irish Champion Stakes and remains a totally unexposed colt over 12 furlongs. He’s made for a test like this and every time I see him trading at [9.0] in the Betfair market the word “value” springs swiftly to mind."

12.45 - Prix De L'Abbaye

I suspect the Brits will clean up here and I suspect that Fleeting Spirit is the most naturally gifted member of the raiding party. I certainly wouldn't put anyone off backing her at [3.5] or better, but War Artist keeps catching my eye as the potential secret weapon of the British team here.

James Eustace's gelding has bounced right back to form with one big win in Germany and another over this course and distance under a hefty penalty recently. He'll need the breaks in what can be a messy race but I rate him one of the best each way options of the weekend if he's still available at [7.0] or bigger.


1.20 - Prix Marcel Boussac

I doubt I'll be getting stuck in here unless the paddock throws up an angle. Rosanara represents the Zarkava connections and seems very highly regarded, while Wedding March is also open to bundles of improvement. Cabaret is a proven Pattern race filly and a strong stayer, though Murtagh will need to be alert to offset a draw which looks wider than ideal.


1.55 - Prix Jean-luc Lagardere

I'm not sure how good the unbeaten Lope De Vega is, but I do have a view about British raiders Buzzword and Dick Turpin.

In short, I'm pretty keen to be against Buzzword and I suspect that Dick Turpin may go off at a value price.

Buzzword won a Group 2 here last month, but Siyouni was given a huge amount to do by Soumillon that day. The tables could be turned this time around and Buzzword looks a possible lay in the win and place markets.

What's more Dick Turpin clearly holds Buzzword on Goodwood form over six furlongs. Richard Hannon's colt has since bolted up in a big Irish Sales race and, although this longer trip is new territory, there is every chance he will stay and make a really bold bid at a fair price here.


2.30 - Prix de l'Opera

Ratings fans will argue that Midday's Oaks second and Nassau win make her the form choice - and they're probably right - but I doubt that Henry Cecil's filly has much in hand of a deep field here.

Alpine Rose, Crystal Capella and Chinese White have all thrived this season, while Night Magic bolted up from the front in the German Oaks and last year's winner Lady Marian can also be given a chance if her flop on cloying ground in Ireland last time can be forgiven.

All in all, this looks tough to assess until the market matures. However, I would consider laying Midday if she's trading at under [3.5]. And I suspect I will also be looking to oppose Again in the place market on the basis that she might well come up short on her first attempt over this longer trip.


3.15 - The Arc

It's almost become heresy to suggest that the mighty Sea The Stars can be beaten in this year's Arc, but how many of those who are barking that he is a certainty have lumped on him at odds on?

Not too many, I would suggest, and for all that he might just blow his rivals away in Dancing Brave style if all goes well I'm more than happy to take one last crack at him.

And the reason I'm prepared to take STS on is twofold. First, he's now trading at a price which looks very tight to me. And secondly, with a field of 19 including several pacemakers this promises to represent his stiffest test of stamina yet.

Granted, Sea The Stars proved he stays 12 furlongs in the Derby, but that wasn't anything like the test of stamina it normally is and, although I'll cheer almost as loudly as those who have backed him if he proves me wrong, my instinct keeps telling me there will be no ceremonial glide home this time with hard stayers like Fame And Glory and Conduit in opposition.

With a more positive ride at Royal Ascot last year Conduit would be lining up with an unbeaten record over a mile and a half plus and this has been his sole objective ever since his battling King George success. He doesn't flinch when it gets tough and looks primed for a career best which will make him very hard to keep out of the first four.

Fame And Glory is 0-2 in his clashes with STS, but he ran a cracker after a break when chasing home John Oxx's colt in the Irish Champion Stakes and remains a totally unexposed colt over 12 furlongs. He's made for a test like this and every time I see him trading at [9.0] in the Betfair market the word "value" springs swiftly to mind.

Tags: Buzzword, Conduit, Dick Turpin, Fame And Glory, Midday, Prix De L'Abbaye, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Prix de l'Opera, Prix Jean-luc Lagardere, Prix Marcel Boussac, Sea The Stars, War Artist