Swallow replaces Light as Arc favourite
Grey Swallow looks set to go off favourite for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp tomorrow as recent support for the Dermot Weld-trained colt continued today.
The three-year-old was cut to 9-2 market leader (from 11-2) by William Hill on the eve of the all-aged championship, usurping his old rival North Light, who eased to 5-1 (from 9-2).
Grey Swallow is 4-1 with Ladbrokes, but connections admitted they would like to see a drop of rain in the Bois de Boulogne.
The jockeys described the going as “good to firm” on the first day of the showpiece meeting and German raider Shirocco has been withdrawn from the Arc as a result.
Pat Smullen will be the man on board the Irish Derby winner and he told the BBC: “It is good to firm ground and it is quite fast. There is a good covering of grass but it is quick ground.
“Coming here on Arc day, you are always expecting to have some cut in the ground but that doesn’t seem to be here this year – and I hope some rain arrives.
“Grey Swallow handled the ground well at the Curragh but his preference has always been for a bit of cut. It remains to be seen whether he will handle quick ground for a second time. Hopefully, he will again if the rain doesn’t come.”
The son of Daylami was an outstanding juvenile and finally lived up to his star billing when beating Vodafone Derby hero North Light in the Irish equivalent.
“He was top class on the day and we always thought that he was,” Smullen added.
“We were a little disappointed that we didn’t win a Guineas with him but he wanted the extra distance and when he got it at the Curragh he showed how good he is.”
Frankie Dettori would also like some give underfoot for Mamool.
“He’s a good stayer and a fresh horse – something which counts for a lot in the Arc,” the rider said. “He handles any ground but the softer it is the better it will suit him.
“Longchamp is a tricky place and you need an uncomplicated horse which is just what he is, you don’t need to ride him in any particular way.
“He’s a brave horse, who has come back from his injury in very good form. He’s tough, he has run all over the world. I love him and I am sure he’ll be thereabouts.
“I’m not going to say that he’s going to win. But he’s got a chance.”
Last year’s top-rated European juvenile Bago will carry the famous colours of the Niarchos Family.
Some were surprised when his participation was confirmed earlier in the week but his connections were suitably pleased with the manner in which he ran on to be third in the Prix Niel on his first attempt over a mile and a half.
Niarchos racing manager Alan Cooper said: “In the Niel the ground was sticky and he just got home. It took him time to find his equilibrium but he ran on well.
“He is in form and has done really well since the Prix Niel and is in what one could term an interesting race. It is real championship race but we expect a good run.”
In contrast to the Niarchos Family, who have never won the Arc, the Wildensteins are synonymous with this race having saddled the likes of Allez France, All Along, Sagace and Peintre Celebre.
They are represented tomorrow by the filly Vallee Enchantee and Policy Maker.
“There are a lot of good horses in there and the ground is fast so you need to be near the front and not coming from the back,” said Alec Wildenstein.
“Vallee Enchantee doesn’t mind the ground, she likes anything. She is a smallish filly so the main thing is to try and keep her away from bumps. It can be a rough race, especially on the inside. So I prefer that she has got that number (16). She has a good chance.
“The colt (Policy Maker) is drawn very well in four and he has progressed a lot.
“He’s got a lot of spirit. If he’s not quite up to it we’ll see but he won’t be that far away.”
