The highly anticipated Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting is officially underway at Longchamp, Paris, with the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac for juvenile fillies kicking off the day's racing at 12:31 BST. This marks the beginning of one of the most significant afternoons in the European racing calendar, featuring a total of six Group One events.
The premier race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, is set to go off at 16:05 local time, which is 13:05 BST. Last year's champion, Daryz, is among the contenders, having drawn well in stall five. However, Daryz will be giving weight to a strong field of three-year-olds, including Oaks winner Thundering On, Grand Prix de Paris winner Maltese Cross, and Prix Niel victor Varandir.
In the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac, Joseph O’Brien's Green Empress is considered the likely favourite, having been runner-up in the Moyglare Stud Stakes. Rivals such as Christophe Ferland’s Allela, stepping up to Group One company, and Aidan O’Brien's Ibelieveicanfly are also in the mix. The going in Paris is noted as unusually quick for this time of year, which may favour some contenders like Maltese Cross and Kalpana.