Adayar out of the Arc as connections favour clash with Baaeed at Ascot

Last year’s Derby winner Adayar will not run in Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (3.05) after being taken out at the second forfeit stage on Tuesday.

The four-year-old had been the second shortest-priced British-trained hope behind Alpinista left in Europe’s richest race, having made a successful seasonal reappearance at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting earlier this month.

However, the Godolphin-owned colt, who was a general 7-1 shot, will not get the chance to better his fourth-placed effort in last year’s Arc, with the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 15 preferred.

Connections believe conditions at the Berkshire track are more likely to suit Adayar, with the ground at Longchamp on Tuesday morning described as a mixture of good to soft and soft following 9mm of rain in the last 24 hours.

In a statement via Twitter, Godolphin said: “Following discussions yesterday, it has been decided that Adayar will miss the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and will instead head to the Champion Stakeswhere conditions are likely to suit him better.”

Adayar was cut to 7-2 (from 5) for the Champion Stakes by Coral following his withdrawal from the Arc.

Coral's David Stevens said: "With Adayar heading to Ascot rather than Paris, Luxembourg has shortened at the head of the Arc betting, while Alpinista continues to attract support for Sunday's big race and is now the 9-2 second favourite.

"While last year's Derby hero has been trimmed to 7-2 for the Qipco Champion Stakes following the news, Baaeed remains a red-hot 1-4 favourite to end his career unbeaten."

With Adayar’s withdrawal, it means only Torquator Tasso and Sealiway remain from the first seven home from last year’s event after the second forfeit stage at 10.30, when Mac Swiney and Thunder Kiss were also taken out.

Reigning champion Torquator Tasso was partnered by Frankie Dettori in a pre-Arc workout on Tuesday morning, while Sealiway could yet come up against Adayar if Francis Graffard opts for his four-year-old to defend his Champion Stakes crown.

After the trio of defections, there are 24 remaining entries in the Arc prior to confirmations on Wednesday, when Verry Elleegant is expected to be supplemented at a cost of €120,000. With only 20 horses guaranteed a run, Prix de Jockey Club fourth Al Hakeem was the beneficiary of Adayar's withdrawal.

Mac Swiney and Thunder Kiss were below the cut line anyway, meaning Verry Elleegant, La Parisienne True Testament, West Wind Blows and Le Destrier are now those in need of some luck to get in.

Arc remaining entries

Titleholder
Luxembourg
Vadeni
Mishriff
Deep Bond
Onesto
Torquator Tasso
Alpinista
Do Deuce
Westover
Alenquer
Broome
Mendocino
Mostahdaf
Stay Foolish
Bubble Gift
Mare Australis
Sealiway
Grand Glory
Al Hakeem

Cut-off line

La Parisienne
True Testament
West Wind Blows
Le Destrier
Verry Elleegant (needs to be supplemented)

Sunday: Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Longchamp

Coral: 10-3 Luxembourg, 9-2 Alpinista, 6 Vadeni, 7 Titleholder, 8 Torquator Tasso, 12 Onesto, Westover, 16 bar

Read more . . .

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2022 Arc: strengths and weaknesses for the top five contenders

Verry Elleegant among big names in danger of missing cut in oversubscribed Arc (£)

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