2021 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: William Buick opts to ride Adayar at Longchamp

William Buick has chosen to ride Adayar in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday week after the Cazoo Derby hero showed positive signs in a midweek gallop.

Buick also had the option of partnering the Charlie Appleby-trained stablemate Hurricane Lane at Longchamp, but the Godolphin rider made an early call to side with Adayar after the colt indicated he had overcome the setback which ruled him out of running in an Arc trial earlier this month.

Hurricane Lane's participation in the Arc is still to be confirmed, with the Cazoo St Leger winner facing a crucial piece of work under James Doyle on Saturday.

Some bookmakers responded to the news by cutting Adayar for the Arc, with bet365 going 10-3 second favourite (from 7-2), while Hurricane Lane was pushed out to 6-1 (from 9-2) by the same firm.

"It's a hard choice but William is confident he's picking the right horse," said Appleby on Friday. "I'm always happy for jockeys to be able to choose the horse they would like to ride. That means they have confidence in the horse and they take that into the race.

"James will partner Hurricane Lane in a simple piece of work tomorrow. Then discussions will take place next week on his participation."

Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe racecard and betting

Adayar won the Derby under Adam Kirby, with Buick aboard Hurricane Lane in third, but the title-chasing jockey got back on the Epsom winner when victorious in the King George at Ascot.

The son of Frankel had been lined up for the Prix Niel, but was ruled out of his Arc prep due to an infection in a hind leg.

Adayar could be joined in the Arc by Hurricane Lane, who is set to have his first piece of serious work since winning the Town Moor Classic two weeks ago.

While excited at the prospect of having two leading candidates for the Longchamp showpiece, Appleby said plans are yet to be finalised with ground conditions also a key factor.

Hurricane Lane: ground is a key factor as to whether he takes his chance in the ArcCredit: Edward Whitaker

"A week is a long time in racing, particularly when you are coming into a race such as the Arc," he said. "We obviously have to take on board the well being of both horses, but also the way the race is taking shape, and, very importantly, the ground at Longchamp."

Appleby added: "The one thing Hurricane Lane does not want is a quick surface. Adayar comes into the versatile category, but we have always felt ease in the ground enhances Hurricane Lane's prospects. Unfortunately, the weather in Paris is out of our hands.

"Hurricane Lane gallops tomorrow. Adayar will also gallop. Then there will be discussions with the team, and we will see where we stand during the week, whether we will have one or two Arc runners."

Appleby singled out 5-2 favourite Tarnawa, who it was confirmed this week will be ridden by Christophe Soumillon, as the main danger.

"Fillies at this time of the year, if they are going in the right direction, can be very hard to beat," he said. "Tarnawa is a Group 1 winner over course and distance [Prix Vermeille], she's a Breeders' Cup winner and finished a very good second in the Irish Champion Stakes. Her credentials are first class."

Read more:

Godolphin ace Hurricane Lane completes workout ahead of possible Arc bid

Hurricane Lane blows Classic rivals away with stunning St Leger display

Our experts highlight 25-1 and 14-1 outsiders for the Arc after eventful weekend

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