Before jetting off to Paris to back Maltese Cross, Hollie Doyle drafted an exclusive blog post ahead of the much‑anticipated Arc weekend. She opens by noting her involvement with the Maltese Cross stable for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, a 3m05s contest at Longchamp on Sunday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
Doyle emphasizes that the horse offers a genuine chance for her husband, Tom Marquand, trainer William Haggas, and owner George Waud to claim one of the sport’s most prestigious victories. Doyle then reflects on the remarkable progress Maltese Cross has shown this season, insisting that the public has yet to witness the full extent of his ability. She cites his performances in the Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltigeur at York as merely the tip of the iceberg. Though he was a little rough‑shod in those two races, his temperament—especially for a three‑year‑old—should serve him well amid the chaos of the Arc, even from an outer draw in stall 11.
The reigning champion, Daryz, will undoubtedly pose a formidable challenge, particularly because his post‑position appears advantageous. Daryz has been meticulously prepared by master trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard, but Doyle believes Maltese Cross, whose sole defeat came on softer ground in the Derby, remains a serious threat to every rival in the field. She also expresses a wish to see the British‑bred filly Kalpana make an impact.
After a King George victory and a strong showing in the Yorkshire Oaks, Andrew Balding’s mare has proven she can hold her own against the leading colts and should not be overlooked. Turning to the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac – the Criterium des Pouliches for two‑year‑old fillies – Doyle notes that Green Empress is likely to be outclassed in a slightly lacklustre renewal of the race on Sunday.
Joseph O'Brien’s filly was outpaced by the prolific Sun Goddess in the Moyglare Stakes, and any weakness could be taken advantage of by Godolphin’s intriguing runner Miss Miniver. She reminds readers to stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features via their mobile devices, highlighting the convenience of on‑the‑go access. Regarding Green Empress’s main market rival, Allela, Doyle points out that trainer Roger Varian has been backing the Wootton Bassett‑sired daughter after a fourth‑place finish in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket.
This could present a valuable opportunity to snap up a relatively weak Group 1 at attractive odds. The blog then shifts focus to the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère Longines, where Joseph O'Brien’s colt Folsom Blues is set to continue his impressive campaign. The son of Blue Point, who was beaten only by Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, rebounded spectacularly by winning the Group 1 National Stakes in emphatic fashion. Although his draw is not ideal, his class should compensate, while James Doyle’s Imperial Strike appears overpriced as it seeks to reverse a Group 3 defeat with the unbeaten Avec Toi.
Doyle also highlights a potential feel‑good story: Naana’s Shadow could clinch the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines for trainer Katie Scott of Galashiels. Scott, who manages a modest string of horses, has coaxed a remarkable performance from the grey filly, who won the Group 3 trial for this race over the same course and distance last month. Despite a less‑than‑ideal stall 13 draw on a track that heavily rewards inside positions, Doyle expects Francis‑Henri Graffard’s SHIRI to challenge the form, while keeping an eye on Harry Eustace’s Time For Sandals, a filly capable of a close finish if she returns to peak condition.
She then discusses Aventure, who will look to add a short‑priced win to her résumé after previously capturing the Prix Romanet. Although she will contest the Prix de l'Opera Longines, Doyle questions the strength of her earlier victory over a sub‑par Diamond Necklace, suggesting the form may not be as robust as it appears. In contrast, Aidan O'Brien’s Precise is presented as a more reliable alternative.
The filly has not won since her Coronation Stakes triumph at Royal Ascot but had shown quality against top‑class opposition before a disappointing run in the Matron. Doyle believes she is now much improved and should be a strong contender against the likely favourite, with the ever‑consistent Pink Panthera also expected to place. Moving to the Qatar Prix de la Forêt, Doyle predicts a strong showing for Ireland’s Fozzy Stack with Thesecretadversary, a horse that should settle into a comfortable rhythm on a track that suits his strengths. Dropping back in distance appears ideal for the Jersey Stakes winner, offering a value alternative to the favourite Samangan, who only managed a narrow victory in a crowded finish at Deauville.
She also mentions Aidan O'Brien’s True Love, who finished fifth in the same Deauville race and underperformed in the Matron. A reduced distance could suit her well, providing another Irish contender capable of delivering a respectable performance. Back to the Arc, Doyle underscores that William Haggas, the trainer of Maltese Cross, also holds the reins on two feature races at Ascot on Saturday, including the Group 3 Bet MGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes, televised live on Sky Sports Racing.
The veteran Al Aasy is highlighted as the class horse in that contest, having already secured a higher‑level win this year and likely to thrive under jockey Danny Tudhope. Stablemate Tenability, noted for his toughness after winning the Listed August Stakes at Windsor, is described as progressive but will need to step up to challenge Al Aasy’s dominance.
Division, who narrowly missed the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, brings a demanding standard to the John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes, a Group 3 event where William Haggas’s Wathnan Racing colt could capitalize if the race unfolds to his liking, despite a potentially slow start. Potential threats include Godolphin’s Hidden Force, which has undergone wind‑surgery after being a beaten favourite in the Craven Stakes, and Marco Botti’s Prince Of India, who must perform well after a Listed win at Newmarket. Doyle concludes by noting her conversation with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft and invites fans to watch every race from the Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing this Friday and Saturday.