Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2023: Mail Sport’s guide to the 15 runners eyeing big race glory in Paris

Fifteen runners arrive in Paris to bid for the glory of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Longchamp’s showpiece starts on Sunday at 3:05 PM.

Here, Mail Sport offers a guide to all the contenders.

1 SISFAHAN

The 2021 German Derby winner has ridden successfully around the world and was running close to his best when he finished second by three-quarters of a length behind Sunday’s opponent Simca Mille in the Group 1 Grosser Preis Von Berlin in August. Having performed poorly since then, winning just three of his 14 starts, he shouldn’t be a threat at this exalted level.

2 HAYA ZARK

At his best when the ground is very deep and he has won two group three races, including the course and distance Prix d’Hedouville in May. This is the first Group 1 race he has ever competed in and it is difficult to find an argument as to why he should compete, even if the situation turns in his favor, which is unlikely given the forecast.

3 ONESTO

His victory over the course and distance in last season’s Group 1 Paris Grand Prix would give him a tiny place and certainly an improvement on last season’s 10th place. However, this season’s form, including a disappointing seventh place behind Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes, is draining enthusiasm.

4 SIMCA MILLE

You have to respect the chance of a colt who won the Prix Niel last year – one of France’s most important Arc tests – but was saved from a tipping point this year. Beat Sisfahan in the Grosser Preis Von Berlin, a race that provided the springboard for the last two Arc winners Torquator Tasso and Alpinista. He doesn’t look up to their level, but could easily win a place.

5 BAY BRIDGE

His ability cannot be doubted after winning the Champion Stakes last year by beating Adayar, perhaps with all the race had to offer. The negative is that only one horse won the 10 furlong race and the Arc. He easily won the September Stakes at Kempton in his first attempt a mile from the Arc, but the opposition was weaker than he faces here.

6 WESTOVER

I’m trying to become the 16th winner to be defeated in last year’s race. Last season’s Irish Derby winner looked a better horse than the 2022 model, which finished sixth behind Alpinista. Holds well, which could be a plus in this race. Only a head separated him and Hukum when he was just touched in the King George at Ascot and he has a more favorable draw than that rival.

7 HUKUM

He is trying to become the first six-year-old to win the Arc, but he is getting better with age and has reached his peak this season with his victory over Westover in Ascot’s King George. Keeps very well and seems to get faster with age. That makes him an all-round solid contender with tactical flexibility. His big draw in stable 14 of 15 is difficult, but past results show that this is not insurmountable.

8 PLACE DU CAROUSEL

Odds of around 25-1 for a filly trained by eight-time Arc-winning trainer Andre Fabre are tempting for a doubles match. She edged Nashwa to win the 1m 2f Prix de L’Opera at last year’s meeting and looks to have culminated this season with a neck win over Iresine in the Prix Foy, her first attempt at 1m 4f.

9 THROUGH SEVEN SEAS

Trying to be the first coveted Japanese winner of the race, after 30 runners previously tried and failed, although some came agonizingly close. Her second-place neck behind Equinox, currently the highest-rated horse in the world, at Hansin in June clearly means she must command respect.

10 FREE WIND

Frankie Dettori’s last ride in the race saw him win a record six times. Progressed very well last season. It has taken time to reach the top this year, but her second place to Warm Heart in the Yorkshire Oaks looks better after that rival went on to claim the Group One Prix Vermeille. She is well drawn in stable 3, but it will probably take a brilliant Dettori ride to lift her home.

Star jockey Frankie Dettori makes his final ride in the race in which he has won a record six times

11 Mr. HOLLYWOOD

Second place in the German Derby, whose form was capped by German Derby winner Fantastic Moon beating Feed The Flame in the Prix Niel. Since then only just touched by a decent French horse in Zagrey in a German group one race. With just five runs to his name, he has room for improvement but needs to make an impact.

12 FEED THE FLAME

Fourth with Ace Impact in the 1m 2f French Derby, followed by a striking length victory in the Grand Prix de Paris. The form of that breed can be questioned, but he deserves the benefit of the doubt. Beaten by Fantastic Moon at the Prix Niel, but Christophe Soumillon was more intent on teaching his horse than winning what was a very messy race. A big player who is well signed.

13 ACE IMPACT

The unbeaten French Derby winner looked sensational in his victory in the Classic in June. He passed his opponents as if they were trees and won in record time by three and a half lengths. There’s a chance he’s a special talent, but the concern is he’s never raced more than a mile and a half. Will the extra endurance test reduce his speed? No French Derby winner has won the Arc in the same year since the race was reduced to 10 furlongs in 2005.

Aidan O’Brien’s only Arc runner Continuous roared home at the St Leger earlier this month

14 FANTASTIC MOON

He is trying to become the first German Derby victor to win the Arc and his team paid €120,000 to add him to the race after securing the Prix Niel. Commands respect as the best of the German challenge, which history shows should not be underestimated. It would be unfair to say his win over Niel was lucky, but it was a messy race. Can finish in the top three.

15 CONTINUOUS

You wouldn’t have spent a lot of money on it as Aidan O’Brien’s sole Arc runner in the summer, but his form has gone to a new level by winning the Great Voltigeur Stakes and romping home at the St Leger. Another additional entry and well drawn, he is doing well, but will face tougher opponents this afternoon. Some St Leger winners have come close in the Arc, but none have won.

PRONUNCIATION

1 FEED THE FLAME

2 WESTOVER

3 PLACE DU CAROUSEL