Our senior form analyst looks ahead to Europe’s most illustrious flat race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing this Sunday. He shares his top picks, the storylines that matter and why this race remains the ultimate test of class, stamina and speed. The Arc has always been more than a single contest; it is a meeting of nations, generations and racing philosophies. A returning champion adds an extra layer of intrigue, offering both a chance for redemption and a fresh challenge for the rest of the field.
In the 2026 edition we will see a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, each hoping to etch their name on what is universally recognised as the world’s premier flat race. "If you want to be a star, you have to look the part," said trainer Daryz, whose horse has carried the weight of Arc expectations admirably this season.
After a controversial blood test at Royal Ascot, the horse rebounded spectacularly in the Prix Foy, posting a blistering 10.68‑second furlong – equivalent to roughly 42 mph – a speed rarely seen over the Arc’s 1½‑mile distance. That performance underlines the horse’s engine‑like power and sets a high bar for any rival attempting to match such a tempo on the Longchamp turf. Roger Varian’s contender, a horse that previously finished fourth in the 2014 Arc and fifth as the favourite in 2016, is now stepping up after a solid campaign that includes a London Gold Cup win and a Group One triumph in the Grosser Preis von Baden.
The German race has produced Arc winners before – Marienbard, Danedream and Torquator Tasso – and this horse’s recent displays at the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Coral‑Eclipse suggest he can handle the mile‑and‑a‑quarter distance with aplomb. While not yet a household name, his steady progression makes him a genuine long‑shot worth watching. From the French side, the 2025 Polish Derby victor has continued to improve, taking a Group Two win in the Grand Prix de Deauville and showing a turn of foot that belies his modest rating. Although he remains an outsider for the Arc, his recent form indicates he could be a dark horse if the race unfolds favourably.
The Japanese challenge, often a point of speculation, arrives in the form of Meisho Tabaru. This Group One performer has claimed back‑to‑back victories in the Takarazuka Kinen, beating the likes of Croix Du Nord, who was a 14‑1 outsider in last year’s Arc after edging out Daryz in a trial.
Tabaru’s front‑running style has served him well, though his only overseas effort – a fifth‑place finish in the 2025 Dubai Turf – showed he can stay competitive beyond Japanese borders. Historically, Japanese horses have struggled to make the final impact at Longchamp, but Tabaru’s proven class keeps the possibility alive. French trainer Jean‑Claude Rouget, a two‑time Arc winner and holder of fourteen French Classic titles, will field Arrow Eagle in what is expected to be his final run. Arrow Eagle excels on firm ground but has also demonstrated a remarkable ability to handle softer going, a trait that could prove decisive if the Longchamp turf turns heavy.
His recent win in the Coronation Cup, where he beat two Classic winners by ten lengths, suggests he possesses the stamina to stay the distance. Minnie Hauk, a mare who won the Arc by six lengths – the widest margin in the race’s history – is now back after a season of mixed results. While she has not reproduced her previous dominance, she remains a contender, especially given the precedent set by former winners Treve and Found, both of whom returned to win a second Arc after a relatively quiet interim season. Kalpana, the five‑year‑old filly who turned a modest draw into a victory in last year’s King George, has matured into a more powerful and purposeful runner.
Rated 125, she now outranks recent Arc winners such as Found, Alpinista and Bluestocking. Her campaign this year includes a flawless win in the Prix Vermeille, posted in the fastest overall time of the three trial races, indicating she can combine speed and stamina when it matters most. Among the three‑year‑old prospects, Maltese Cross stands out.
After a narrow defeat in the Grand Prix de Paris, he rebounded with a strong showing in the Prix Niel, suggesting his potential is still rising. His blend of raw stamina – demonstrated by a 43.1 mph burst in the Grand Prix – and improving turn of foot places him among the most exciting juveniles to watch for a possible upset. The filly Thundering On, rated 117, impressed in the Oaks and then delivered a blistering final two furlongs in the Blandford at the Curragh, faster than any Group One sprinter that day.
Her form lines and the badge she carries – a classic‑winning three‑year‑old filly – make her a serious threat, especially if the race unfolds in a pace‑setting scenario that suits her closing speed. Diamond Necklace, unbeaten in two Classics and a recent victor in the Prix Jean Romanet, could be the second favourite if she were not for a defeat by Aventure in the Prix Vermeille.
Her pedigree, combined with a proven ability to stay the 1½‑mile trip, suggests she may still improve and pose a genuine challenge to the male‑dominated field. In summary, Daryz remains the headline act, possessing a blend of power, speed and a charismatic aura that could see him become an Arc legend.
Yet the market may be undervaluing Maltese Cross, whose combination of stamina and hidden speed makes him a strong candidate for the title of best three‑year‑old in Europe. The race will likely be decided by which horse can best marry the raw engine of a sprinter with the endurance of a stayer – the very essence of what makes the Arc the ultimate test of a flat‑racing champion. Catch every moment of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend live on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 512) on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October.