Globeform Arc Bios

GLOBEFORM ARC BIOS

SEPTEMBER 27, 2010

Brisnet.com will be offering the Globeform Ratings & Analysis for this year's

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) beginning September 30. The report will

include the popular Globeform ratings for the Arc and supporting stakes, as well

as in-depth analysis of each race at Longchamp on October 3.

Below is a sampling of the Globeform Analysis.

Prix de l'Arc contenders

by Geir Stabell

PLANTEUR (Danehill Dancer) finished well (though failed to keep a straight line) when taking

second to Behkabad (Cape Cross [Ire]) in the Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-G1), and there were good reasons

to come away from that meeting feeling that he would be able to reverse the

form. While Behkabad enjoyed a dream trip, Planteur was forced wide on the turn,

when making his challenge from well off the pace. He seemed to be catching

Behkabad for a few strides, but ducked left, then right, and ran erratically

inside last furlong. Planteur definitely looked like a horse open to plenty of

improvement on this occasion.

He stepped up again when they clashed for a

third time in the Prix Niel (Fr-G2) over the same course and distance in September.

Behkabad beat him again though, this time by a head after quickening past him

close home. Planteur was ridden prominently, shadowing his pacemaker, but

Behkabad had him in his sights all along. The two colts were four lengths clear of

Italian listed winner Kidnapping (Intikhab) in third, with the non-staying Victoire Pisa

(Neo Universe) another four lengths further adrift in fourth.

This is solid form,

and Behkabad's time (2.30,8) was by far the best of the three Arc trials. With

plenty of scope for improvement, Planteur could well turn the tables on Behkabad

in the Arc, but he will need to commit early in the straight. Previously

considered a horse that might not stay the Arc trip, Planteur is now shaping up

like a stamina runner and his best chance of beating Behkabad seems to be to

kick early and try to draw the sting out of his arch-rival. How Planteur is

ridden could have a big impact on the shape of the race.

YOUMZAIN (Sinndar) has finished third in the Arc three times, a remarkable feat, and

-- while he is not getting any younger these days -- one can argue that this year's

renewal offers him the best opportunity yet of finally land the big prize.

Youmzain was runner-up to Sea the Stars 12 months ago, having chased the

brilliant Zarakava and Dylan Thomas (Ire) home in earlier years.

Mick Channon's

flagship was beaten just a nose when finishing fast for second to Plumania

(Anabaa) (who

had been handed soft lead) in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1) in June. That

was a performance indicating that Youmzain has retained all his ability, though

it is also worth remembering that he flopped badly after getting worked up in

the preliminaries to the Coronation Cup (Eng-G1) at Epsom in June.

Youmzain has always

performed right up to his best at Longchamp, however, and if he does so again on

October 3, well then Youmzain is in with a big chance of finally emulating his

sire Sinndar -- who won the Arc 10 years ago.