1

French King

Has developed into a very smart colt this year, kicking off with a front-running defeat of 13 rivals in a valuable event at Doha in February and then winning two G2’s and most recently a G1 in Germany – posting improved performances each time. Seems best on good ground.

2

Waldgeist

Only beaten 1 3/4L fourth to Enable in last year’s Arc. A G1 winner on his 2019 debut here at Longchamp and won his G2 trial for this – albeit in a weakish four-runner event – here last month. A seasoned campaigner who rarely disappoints.

3

Ghaiyyath

Has plenty of Longchamp experience including a G2 and G3 win, but seriously entered the Arc picture when leading for most of the trip and surging clear in the straight to beat the nearest of eight rivals by 14L in a Baden-Baden G1, an exceptional performance on his first shot at this distance.

4

Kiseki

A regular front-runner with high class form in Japan including a second to brilliant Almond Eye in last November’s G1 Japan Cup. Disappointing when easily brushed aside in an Arc trial at Longchamp last month, but his trainer thinks he is much sharper now.

5

Blast Onepiece

Gained another major Japanese victory on his latest start with a powerful display in a G2 over 2000m at Sapporo in August. He is very likely to encounter slower ground than he is accustomed to in Japan but the move back up in trip could be helpful.

6

Fierement

Competes at a high level in Japan over a variety of distances. He gained a G1 win over 3200m on fast ground at Kyoto and was a fast-finishing third to expected Arc rival Blast Onepiece in a G2 over 2000m at Sapporo’s tight track in August.

7

Nagano Gold

Trained in the Czech Republic but good enough to be mostly campaigned in France and he also nearly won a G2 at Royal Ascot this year – a bit unlucky then. A bit disappointing when favourite but only third in a Deauville G2 in August.

8

Enable

This remarkable mare has won 13 of her fourteen starts including ten G1’s and is bidding to become the first ever horse to win this three times. Has only raced three times this year and has looked at least as good as ever, dominating from the front to win at York last time. Versatile groundwise and tactically but Dettori will probably want her close to the speed.

9

Magical

Highly talented and remarkably consistent – just unlucky to be racing at the same time as Enable who has beaten her into second in two G1’s this season. Ridden prominently (which seems to suit her best) she was a convincing G1 winner at Leopardstown last month.

10

Japan

A strong-finishing third in the Derby at Epsom in June, and, more recently, on a real roll winning his last three races – two at G1 level including over Longchamp’s course and distance in July and posting a career best with a brilliant and courageous effort at York last time.

11

Soft Light

Has failed to win in six attempts this season which doesn’t make him appeal as a potential Arc winner. However his astute trainer has supplemented him and he wasn’t beaten far in a G1 over this course and distance in July. Softening ground might help.

12

Sottsass

A powerful surge up the Chantilly straight saw him gain a surprise victory in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club in June. A hot favourite for his Arc trial here last month, he was imprisoned on the rail in the straight but, finding a gap, showed sharp acceleration to win.