History
This race is steeped in history and previous winners list like a who’s who of great thoroughbreds. Ribot, Sea Bird, Mill Reef, Allez France, Alleged (the last back to back winner of the race in 1977 and 1978), Dancing Brave, Peintre Celebre (who holds the record time for the race),Montjeu, Zarkava and Sea The Stars to name just a few.
2011 Runners and Riders
Sixteen runners take part this year and with the exception of English Derby winner Pour Moi and King George VI winner Nathaniel all the top middle distance horses are taking part.
The participants for the 2011 Qatar Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe are:
1. Workforce ridden by Ryan Moore trained by Sir Michael Stoute – Drawn 8
Last year’s winner, this year has lost to So You Think over 1 mile 2 furlongs, a trip considered to be too short for him and Nathaniel in the King George VI, the second time he has run badly in that race but he had been hit on the bend and had finished with a bad cut on his leg. If the going does not get to firm then he must have a chance. Current price 9/1
2. St Nicholas Abbey ridden by J P O’Brien trained by A P O’Brien – Drawn 6
Probably the stable’s third string and he needs to improve to get into the places. Current price 33/1
3. Silver Pond ridden by Thierry Thulliez trained by C Laffon-Parias - Drawn 15
Drawn wide is a big disadvantage in this race and has yet to win at Group 1 level. Current price 100/1
4. Hiruno D’Amour ridden by Shinju Fujita trained by Mitsusu Kon – Drawn 1
Only just got beat by Sarafina in Prix Foy, may lack a bit of finishing speed but you discount any Japanese runner at your peril. Current price 14/1
5. Nakayama Festa ridden by Masayoshi Ebina trained by Yoshitaka Ninomiya – Drawn 16
4th in the Prix Foy and has the widest draw. It will be a surprise to see him finish in the top three. Current price 33/1
6. So You Think ridden by Seamie Heffernan trained by A P O’Brien – Drawn 14
Assumed to be the trainer’s top choice, has yet to win over 1 mile 4 furlongs, but has finished third in the Melbourne Cup so stamina should not be an issue. No doubt he is a class horse, but is drawn wide. Current price 5/1 2nd favourite.
7. Sarafina ridden by Christophe-Patrice Lemaire trained by A De Royer-Dupre – Drawn 13
Top class filly and arguably unlucky in last year’s race when finishing third, however filly’s do not have a great record in this race and she is drawn wide. Current price 9/2 favourite.
8. Snow Fairy ridden by Frankie Dettori trained by Ed Dunlop – Drawn 11
Another top class filly, winning last year’s Oaks at Epsom. This is her first time over 1 mile 4 furlongs this season so expect some improvement, sure to run a big race but another one who has to overcome a wide draw. Current price 14/1
9. Treasure Beach ridden by C O’Donoghue trained by A P O’Brien – Drawn 12
Alleged second string of the stable. However he is the forgotten horse of this race, he has beaten Nathaniel at Chester, second in the English Derby by a head, then went on to win the Irish Derby. Following that he went to the USA to win the Group 1 Secretariat Stakes. Current Price 33/1
10. Meandre ridden by Maxime Guyon trained by A Fabre – Drawn 10
The trainer has a fabulous record in this race and any horse entered by him has to be taken seriously. Second in the Prix Niel, this has proven to be a very good trial for this race. Current price 12/1
11. Masked Marvel ridden by William Buick trained by John Gosden – Drawn 5
Won the St Leger last time out and it is interesting that the trainer and owners have paid the £100,000 supplement to enter him for this race. Good draw and an improving horse. Current price 14/1
12. Reliable Man ridden by Gerald Mosse trained by A De Royer-Dupree – Drawn 7
Won the Prix Niel, lightly raced, drawn well and although the stable also have the favourite for the race this horse has just as good a chance. Current price 12/1
13. Shareta ridden by Thierry Jarnet trained by A De Royer-Dupre – Drawn 9
Appears to have no chance and seems to have been entered as a pacemaker for Sarafina. Current price 100/1
14. Testosterone ridden by Stephane Pasquier trained by P Bary – Drawn 3
Although decent, she finished behind Galikova in the Prix Vermeille and there appears no reason why she should reverse the placing. Current price 100/1
15. Danedream ridden by A Starke trained by P Sciergen – Drawn 2
German challenger and their form does not appear to be stronger enough to win this. Current price 22/1
16. Galikova – ridden by Olivier Peslier trained by F Head – Drawn 4
Half sister to Goldikova, although not as talented she is as tough. Won her trial well and it would not be a surprise to see her run a big race. Current price 8/1
Conclusion
7 of the last 10 winner’s were 3 year olds, 8 had won their previous race and had a single figure draw and only 1 had been a filly. That points to RELIABLE MAN, however he does not want the ground too fast, wherever he finishes expect to see MEANDRE not far away. Except for the draw the best value could be TREASURE BEACH who should run a big race at a big price.
Source
RacingPost.com - 10/01/2011
Steve Boxall - I have written articles on Travel, Sport and History and currently I am Cricket's Feature Writer for Suite101.
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