'Odds of 12-1 are too big' - our experts have their say on an open Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

In what was a very informative weekend of clues, how do our experts see the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe picture now?

'Al Riffa has been trained for this all season'

There were some promising performances at the weekend from the likes of Bluestocking and Shin Emperor, but I'm sticking with Al Riffa. He came closest to beating last year's winner Ace Impact on his final start at three before putting a poor run in the US behind him when chasing home City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse. 

He looked like he was crying out for a step up in trip that day and caught the eye when winning a traditionally strong Arc trial in Germany very easily. He's been trained for this all season and could be the one to capitalise in an open running.
Jonathan Harding, reporter

'Odds too big about Bluestocking'

Look De Vega’s defeat in the Prix Niel probably means we won’t have another superstar on our hands in this year’s Arc, which looks incredibly open. 

Sosie is now as short as 7-2 with some firms, but he hardly blew his rivals away in another typical Arc trial and you have to go back to Rail Link in 2006 to find the last Niel winner to follow up in the big one. 

In contrast, the Prix Vermeille was a proper Group 1. Ralph Beckett and Juddmonte could be tempted to supplement Bluestocking, we know the fine recent record of fillies and mares in the first week of October, and odds of 12-1 about her are too big.
James Hill, tipster

'Niel form sets the standard'

There were contrasting fortunes for my ante-post slips this weekend as Shin Emperor shortened with a mighty run in the Irish Champion Stakes and Opera Singer was a major disappointment in the Prix Vermeille.

Looking at the market now, the French form clearly sets the standard and there is a bit of value in the price about Sosie. He looks made for the race and his Prix Niel win was solid. 

Look De Vega seemed like he needed the run back in third and 6-1 about him now appeals. It is not an original view, but they are the most likely winners and both will go off at shorter odds in three weeks time.
James Stevens, reporter 

Read these next:

'It would be nice to have another go' - Bluestocking halved in price for the Arc after landing red-hot running of the Prix Vermeille 

Sosie surges into Arc favouritism after upsetting odds-on Look De Vega in Prix Niel 

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