Six Breeders’ Cup WAYIs on Arc Day

Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) is the centerpiece of a blockbuster program at ParisLongchamp, featuring six Breeders’ Cup Challenge events.

The Arc itself serves as a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), and early favorite Minnie Hauk has already been mentioned as a candidate for Del Mar. The Aidan O’Brien filly brings a five-race winning streak – including the Epsom, Irish, and Yorkshire Oaks (G1) – into her first test versus males.

Last year’s Arc runner-up, Aventure, along with the respective third and fourth, O’Brien’s Los Angeles and Andre Fabre’s Sosie, renew rivalry. Also prominent in the calculations is British filly Kalpana, who has elicited comparisons to last year’s Arc victress, fellow Juddmonte homebred Bluestocking. 

The Japanese challenge comprises Croix du Nord and Byzantine Dream, both of whom drew unfavorably wide posts, and their better-drawn compatriot, Alohi Alii. French sophomores Cualificar, Daryz, Leffard, and the classic-winning filly Gezora add to the intrigue. The prospect of a testing ground raises the specter of longshot White Birch. 

For a detailed analysis of the 17-horse field, see the “Top storylines” piece on TwinSpires.com. 

The banner day begins by spotlighting two-year-olds in the Prix Marcel Boussac (G1) and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1).

The Boussac, held over a metric mile, offers a free ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1). The market leaders are a pair of unbeatens, O’Brien’s Diamond Necklace and the winner of the course-and-distance Prix d’Aumale (G2), Green Spirit.

The Lagardere, a “Win and You’re In” for the Juvenile Turf (G1), is also a scoring race on the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby. Early favorite Nighttime comes off a victory in the local prep, the Prix la Rochette (G3) at this about seven-furlong trip. The Aga Khan Studs’ undefeated homebred Rayif, Ballydoyle’s Puerto Rico, and Charlie Appleby’s Time to Turn are other logical contenders.

The about five-furlong Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp (G1), a “Win and You’re In” for the Turf Sprint (G1), has attracted the usual players. Australian mare Asfoora is likely to be compromised by the soft ground, which creates the potential for even more chaos in a chaotic division. Top French hopes Monteille and Rayevka could benefit, while Irish shipper She’s Quality seeks a breakthrough, and the British raiders include Jm Jungle, Frost at Dawn, and Sky Majesty. 

The Prix de l’Opera (G1) has a hot favorite in See the Fire, given her form with world-class males, although the ground might not be congenial for her in this “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1). Tamfana also has claims in the about 1 1/4-mile affair, along with an Irish contingent led by Wemightakedlongway and Barnavara. 

Rounding out the Group 1 action is the Prix de la Foret (G1), with the perk of a Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) ticket. The rampantly progressive More Thunder is attracting plenty of support, but post 16 is a concern. Classic-winning filly Zarigana could well appreciate cutting back to about seven furlongs, while fellow sophomore Maranoa Charlie brandishes course-and-distance form. Fabre’s Sajir, who has clear designs on Del Mar, is also worth watching.