Sulamani misses out of Arc

Sulamani was the most notable absentee from the list of 27 entries remaining in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere when the latest forfeits were announced today.

The absence of the five-year-old, runner-up in the 2002 running of the Group One, means that Godolphin only have Mamool left in the Longchamp showpiece.

Doubts about the participation of Sulamani had been expressed recently and some leading bookmakers had been quoting the Juddmonte International Stakes winner with a run at around 5-1.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford told www.godolphin.com: “Unfortunately we have run out of time with Sulamani and he will not run in the Arc at the weekend.

“We are now looking at the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket on October 16 or the Canadian International at Woodbine, Canada on October 24.”

Irish trainer Dermot Weld has four-time Irish St Leger winner Vinnie Roe entered while compatriot Aidan O’Brien has Acropolis in the race.

Vodafone Derby hero and Oaks heroine North Light and Ouija Board lead the British challenge along with last year’s runner up Mubtaker, who remains in the race although connections have yet to make a decision as to whether he will make the trip to Paris.

The other prospective travellers are Mick Channon’s Imperial Dancer and the Richard Hannon-trained Nysaean.

The home challenge will be led by Valixir, Prospect Park and Bago, who finished first, second and third respectively in the Prix Niel over course and distance on Arc Trial day earlier this month, while Latice has stayed in but must improve on her disappointing performance in the Prix Vermeille.

Elie Lellouche, who landed the Arc in 1996 with Helissio, has four entries including top-class filly Vallee Enchantee and Prix Foy winner Policy Maker.

Top Japanese raider Tap Dance City also stood his ground despite earlier confusion that he would miss the race after his plane broke down in Mexico.

Also still in are Turkish challenger Grand Ekinoks and German Derby winner Shirocco.

The supplementary stage is on Thursday and Pascal Bary could add French Derby winner Blue Canari to the field.

The limit for the race is 20 runners, so some connections may face disappointment. The going at Longchamp was described as good.