Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Ace Impact, Feed The Flame and Hukum among 15 left in French Group One

Ace Impact and Hukum are among fifteen horses holding their own for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp on Sunday after the first forfeit stage.

French derby hero Ace impact is the clear favorite to give trainer Jean-Claude Rouget his second victory in Europe’s premier middle-distance race, following the success of Sottsass three years ago, but looks set for a strong challenge from across the Channel.

The Owen Burrows-trained Hukum and that of Ralph Beckett Westover just look at the selection of the British contingent, and both have been kept fresh since their titanic clash at the King George at Ascot in July.

Sir Michael Stoute Bay bridge and that of John and Thady Gosden Free windthe potential final Arc ride for Frankie Dettori, also remains in contention.

Aidan O’Brien has left Emily Dickinsonbut indicated on Sunday she would likely move to the Prix du Cadran, paving the way for his St Leger hero Continuous Restocked on Wednesday.

Irish hopes could also be transferred Sprewell from Jessica Harrington’s garden. Other contenders for the home team include Pascal Bary’s Grand Prix de Paris hero Feed the flamelast seen second in the Prix Niel, and Simca Mille from Stephane Wattel’s garden.

The latter has won twice and finished second twice after four visits to the track. He was last seen breaking his Group 1 duck at the Grosser Preis von Berlin in Hoppegarten in August.

Wattel said: “I have to say everything is fine, he is in good shape and he has done a good job. We expect good ground, which is important for him, and I am really happy with his condition.

“I don’t think we will have tough terrain and that would have been a reason not to run.

“I am very happy that I have a runner in the Arc, not a first (top) chance but a fair chance to run well, which is exciting for us as a stable.

“He loves Longchamp and has always run very well there, which gives us a little more expectation than if we were running in England.

“I know the quality of the English horses and I know the quality of the two three-year-old French horses (Ace Impact and Feed The Flame), but our horse is running on his best track and hopefully on his best ground, so that gives us a little more chance .”

The German couple Sisfahan and Mr. Hollywood (Henk Grewe), Japan Through seven seas (Tomohito Ozeki), Haya Zark (Adrien Fouassier), Onesto (Cloth Chappet) and Place du Carrousel (Andre Fabre) are the others in the mix.