Ahead of the much‑anticipated Arc weekend, jockey Hollie Doyle took a moment to share her thoughts in an exclusive blog post, outlining why she is firmly planted on the Maltese Cross ticket for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday. She explained that her partnership with the three‑year‑old colt is rooted in both personal affinity and a clear belief that the horse offers a genuine chance of victory for trainer William Haggas, owner George Waud, and her husband, jockey Tom Marquand, who will be riding a rival in the same race. Maltese Cross has already produced a series of standout performances this season, and Doyle insists that the public has yet to see the full extent of his ability. She highlighted his wins in the Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltigeur at York as merely the tip of the iceberg.
While the horse encountered a bit of trouble in those contests, his temperament and racing intelligence—remarkable for a three‑year‑old—should serve him well in the chaotic, high‑pressure environment of the Arc, especially given his relatively wide draw from stall 11. The defending champion, Daryz, will undoubtedly pose a serious challenge. Daryz benefits from a favorable draw and has been meticulously prepared by his trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard.
Nevertheless, Doyle points out that Maltese Cross’s only loss this year came on softer ground in the Derby, suggesting that on firm French turf he is a formidable threat to every rival. She also expressed enthusiasm for the British filly Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding, noting that Kalpana’s King George victory and subsequent strong showing in the Yorkshire Oaks demonstrate that she can compete with the top male horses. Doyle believes Kalpana could add another layer of intrigue to the Arc field. Turning to the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac Criterium des Pouliches, Doyle mentioned that Green Empress is likely to be outclassed in this slightly disappointing renewal.
Joseph O'Brien’s filly was overmatched by the prolific Sun Goddess in the Moyglare Stakes, leaving her vulnerable to a surprise run from Godolphin’s Miss Miniver. In the same meeting, the market is wide open for Allela, a daughter of Wootton Bassett who finished fourth in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket. Trainer Roger Varian has been backing her confidently, suggesting that a Group 1 win could be within reach if she can capitalize on a relatively weak field. Doyle also highlighted Joseph O'Brien’s promising colt Folsom Blues, who could continue his excellent season in the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère Longines.
The son of Blue Point was a close second to Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes before rebounding with a dominant Group 1 National Stakes win. Despite an unfavorable draw, his class should allow him to overcome any positional disadvantage, while James Doyle’s Imperial Strike appears over‑priced as it seeks to reverse a recent Group 3 defeat.
On the sprint front, Doyle suggested that Naana’s Shadow, trained by Katie Scott, could deliver a standout performance in the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines. Scott, who manages a modest stable, has nurtured the grey filly into a Group 3 winner over the same distance, making her a logical favorite. However, a wide stall 13 may compromise her chances on a track that often rewards inside draws.
In response, Doyle expects Francis‑Henri Graffard’s SHIRI to capitalize, while also keeping a watchful eye on Harry Eustace’s Time For Sandals, who possesses the talent to be competitive if she returns to peak form. Aventure, a proven Group 1 winner in the Prix Romanet, will step up to contest the Prix de l'Opera Longines.
Christophe Ferland’s mare beat a sub‑par Diamond Necklace, leaving some doubts about the quality of that victory. In contrast, Aidan O'Brien’s Precise, despite a lackluster run in the Matron, has shown the ability to compete at the highest level and could serve as a strong alternative to the race‑favorite.
The ever‑consistent Pink Panthera also appears poised for another placing. In the Qatar Prix de la Forêt, Doyle sees an opportunity for Irish jockey Fozzy Stack aboard Thesecretadversary. The horse should settle well on a course that suits his strengths, especially after stepping back in distance—a move that could benefit the Jersey Stakes winner, presenting a value proposition against the favorite Samangan, who previously only managed a narrow victory in a crowded finish at Deauville. Aidan O'Brien’s True Love, despite a disappointing fifth‑place finish in the Matron, could also benefit from a shorter trip, offering another potential contender for the day.
Beyond the Arc, William Haggas, who trains Maltese Cross, will have another day of responsibility at Ascot, where he has entries in the Group 3 Bet MGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes. Veteran Al Aasy is the class horse to beat in that contest, having already secured a higher‑level win this season and forming a strong partnership with jockey Danny Tudhope.
Stablemate Tenability, a tough Listed August Stakes winner, will need to step up to challenge Al Aasy’s dominance. The John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes will feature Division, who narrowly missed out on the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, raising the bar for performance. William Haggas’s Wathnan Racing colt may be compromised by a slow start, but if the race unfolds to his advantage, it could provide a valuable Group 3 victory. Potential threats include Godolphin’s Hidden Force, who has undergone wind surgery after a runner‑up finish in the Craven Stakes, and Marco Botti’s Prince Of India, who must prove his worth after a Listed win at Newmarket.
Doyle concluded her blog by noting her conversation with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft and encouraging fans to tune in for live coverage of the Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot, where the excitement will continue on both Friday and Saturday. The comprehensive coverage promises in‑depth analysis, interviews, and the latest racing news, ensuring that viewers won’t miss a single moment of the action.