'They could be a Cup horse in future' - expert analysis of this year's Arc

Our expert analyst Richard Lowther gives his verdict on the 2024 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Probably just an ordinary Arc, with City of Troy, fellow Derby winner Auguste Rodin and Economics given other targets, while the absence of Goliath, Calandagan and Iresine reignited the debate about the eligibility of geldings in the race. It wasn't strongly run and it paid to be positioned forwardly.

Racing Post Ratings assessment: it was very difficult for those in rear to get involved. Personal bests for the first two, with the front-running third rated in and around his previous levels.

1. Bluestocking

Supplemented for the race and one of only two British-trained runners, was ideally drawn to track what was just a modest gallop. She ran on willingly in the straight to collect her third Group 1 victory of the year but her first against male opposition, becoming the ninth of her sex to win in the last 14 runnings. Well supported before the off, she'd shown her liking for the course when winning the Prix Vermeille and the rain only enhanced her chances.

2. Aventure

Came from further back than the other principals and finished strongly, clocking the quickest time for any sectional, 11.35 for the penultimate 200m, as well as the fastest final split. She finished only half a length further behind today's winner than she did on quicker ground over course and distance in the Prix Vermeille.

3. Los Angeles

Back up in trip after his Irish Champion Stakes fourth, didn't set quick fractions and stuck on well for third. He's essentially a stayer and could be a Cup horse in future, although Kyprios might have something to say about that.

4. Sosie

In the same ownership as Aventure and carrying the first choice white cap, was always well placed and acquitted himself admirably with no obvious excuses. It was his first defeat at Longchamp, though.

Bluestocking: a seventh Arc winner for JuddmonteCredit: Edward Whitaker

5. Sevenna's Knight

Was hampered at the start by Shin Emperor and turned into the straight nearer last than first, but what he does have is abundant stamina and he finished strongly for fifth. He has an admirable record at the track and is in the Prix Royal-Oak here.

6. Zarakem

Running over 1m4f for the first time this year and with a hood added, was favourably drawn and ran creditably.

7. Survie

Filled the same position as she had in the Vermeille, beating plenty who were shorter in the market than her.

8. Delius

Never seriously figured and finished a little further off Sosie than he had in the Grand Prix de Paris and the Prix Niel.

9. Fantastic Moon

Lost his chance when the rain came and only took part as his connections would have been hit with a big fine if he hadn't.

10. Sunway

The other half of Britain's challenge, albeit trained by a Frenchman, wasn't discredited from a wide draw.

Ralph Beckett wraps his arm around Bluestocking following her Arc triumphCredit: Edward Whitaker

11. Al Riffa  

Was drawn in nine but it wasn't long before he found himself on the outside under his veteran jockey. That, coupled with the modest gallop, meant he was never seen with a chance.

12. Shin Emperor

Is a brother to 2020 Arc winner Sottsass and carried the hopes of Japan this year, but he gave his supporters little to shout about. Presumably the ground was alien to him, while he'd have been a rare Arc winner to come into a race without a previous victory that season.

13. Look De Vega

Was expected to have come on significantly for his run behind Sosie and Delius in the Niel, but the French Derby winner just didn't turn up. He was keen in the early stages and was soon shuffled back through the field.

14. Mqse De Sevigne

Bidding for a Group 1 four-timer but back against colts, was effectively taken out of the race when Haya Zark was pulled up in front of her approaching halfway. She already had the widest draw to overcome.

15. Continuous

Who was fifth last year, couldn't show what he was made of this time round as he was hampered when already at the back of the field towards halfway.

PU Haya Zark

This year's Prix Ganay winner, sadly suffered a pulmonary haemorrhage.

Read these next:

'She's changed my life' - brilliant Bluestocking propels Ryan, Beckett and Juddmonte to Arc history 

Fantastic Moon connections reverse decision to take him out of Arc after learning of €55,000 fine - then he finishes ninth 

Rossa Ryan conducted it beautifully - how the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was won and lost 

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