Europe’s Best Set to Clash in Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the premier horse race in Europe and this year’s contest at Longchamp in Paris has attracted a strong field. It will determine who will be the leading middle distance runner in the continent at the end of 2024.

This year’s Flat season in the sport has already produced several big performances on the track, with City Of Troy, Look Vega and Sosie all emerging as potential superstars. Here is a look at the leading contenders to shine in France and prevail in the Arc.

Look De Vega to Put Unbeaten Record on the Line

With three victories from three racecourse appearances, Look De Vega has yet to taste defeat. He became a big player for the Arc when he won the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) in June. The three-year-old colt is the 11/4 favourite in the horse racing betting odds for the Longchamp feature.

The son of Lope De Vega has proven himself on testing ground conditions, which is why he is one of the leading horse racing tips for the race in Paris. Often the race is run on soft or heavy ground, and if that proves to be the case this year, Carlos and Yann Yerner’s runner will relish the conditions.

As a three-year-old, Look De Vega will receive 6lb in weight from the older horses in the contest. He will be bidding to become just the second three-year-old in the last seven years to win the race.

Sosie Has a Course and Distance Success

Legendary French trainer Andre Fabre has an excellent chance of winning a record-extending ninth Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe this year with Sosie. The colt won over the same course and distance in the Grand Prix de Paris earlier this season.
Winners of the Grand Prix de Paris often go into the Arc as one of the favourites to win the race. Fabre’s runner prevailed by two lengths, finishing ahead of a strong field that included Illinois and Tamfana.

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Sosie will need to reverse the form with Lope De Vega at Longchamp. He finished third behind the unbeaten horse in the French Derby. That race took place over the shorter distance of 1m2½f, and the step up to 1m4f will suit Sosie, as he is a son of former Arc winner Sea The Stars.

O’Brien Expected to Travel with A Strong Team

It has been another prosperous season for leading trainer Aidan O’Brien in the UK and Ireland. His leading colt, City Of Troy, won the Derby at Epsom. He is set to head to the United States next for the Breeders’ Cup meeting, rather than the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Although he will not be saddling his Derby winner, O’Brien will still have a strong team at Longchamp. Nassau Stakes winner Opera Singer showcased her stamina at Glorious Goodwood and will be one of his leading chances in the race. He has also entered Irish Derby winner Los Angeles as he bids for another major triumph this year.

The 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe takes place on Sunday, 4th of October. It is on the second of a two-day meeting at Longchamp.

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