Ahead of the much‑anticipated Arc weekend, Hollie Doyle took a moment to share her thoughts in an exclusive blog post, reflecting on her partnership with Maltese Cross and the broader racing programme at Longchamp. She explained that she will be aboard Maltese Cross for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, a 3.05‑mile contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The horse, trained by William Haggas and owned by George Waud, offers a genuine chance for jockey Tom Marquand, his trainer, and the owner to claim one of the sport’s most prestigious victories. Doyle highlighted how remarkable Maltese Cross’s season has been so far, insisting that the public has only glimpsed a fraction of his true ability.
Victories in the Grand Prix de Paris and a strong showing in the Great Voltigeur at York were merely the tip of the iceberg. Although the colt was slightly unsettled in those races, his mental maturity for a three‑year‑old is already evident, a trait that should serve him well when the field tightens up in the chaotic finish of the Arc, especially given his wide draw from stall 11. She also addressed the competition, noting that last year’s winner Daryz will be a formidable rival, benefitting from a favourable draw and the meticulous preparation of trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard.
Nevertheless, Maltese Cross, whose only loss this year came on softer ground in the Derby, remains a serious threat to every contender. Doyle expressed enthusiasm for the British filly Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding, who has already proved she can match the best males by winning the King George and delivering a strong performance in the Yorkshire Oaks.
She believes Kalpana could make an impact if she is given the chance. Turning to the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac Criterium des Pouliches, Doyle noted that Green Empress is likely to be outclassed in what she described as a slightly disappointing renewal of the race.
Joseph O'Brien’s filly, after being bested by the prolific Sun Goddess in the Moyglare Stakes, may have vulnerabilities that could be exploited by Godolphin’s promising runner Miss Miniver. She reminded readers to stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features via the Sky Sports Racing app, emphasizing the convenience of mobile access.
Regarding Green Empress’s main rival, Allela, Doyle pointed out that trainer Roger Varian has been quick to back the daughter of Wootton Bassett following a fourth‑place finish in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket, suggesting the race could present a rare chance to secure a relatively weak Group 1 title. Doyle also highlighted the potential for Joseph O'Brien’s promising colt Folsom Blues to continue his upward trajectory in the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère Longines.
The son of Blue Point, who was only narrowly beaten by Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes before rebounding emphatically in the Group 1 National Stakes, possesses the class to overcome an unfavourable draw. She contrasted this with James Doyle’s Imperial Strike, which she feels is overpriced given its recent Group 3 form. She voiced hope that Naana’s Shadow could capture the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines for trainer Katie Scott, praising the small‑scale operation’s ability to develop a grey filly that won the Group 3 trial over the same course and distance last month.
However, Doyle cautioned that a stall 13 draw at Longchamp, a venue that heavily rewards inside positions, could complicate matters. She expects Francis‑Henri Graffard’s SHIRI to challenge the form, while keeping an eye on Harry Eustace’s Time For Sandals, a horse capable of a close finish if she returns to peak condition. Aventure, a recent Group 1 winner in the Prix Romanet, will be supplemented for the Prix de l'Opera Longines.
Doyle noted that Christophe Ferland’s mare had previously beaten a sub‑par Diamond Necklace, leaving the strength of that performance open to question. She favours Aidan O'Brien’s Precise, who, despite a lackluster run in the Matron after winning the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, has previously shown she can compete at the highest level. Precise, she argues, offers a solid alternative to the likely favourite, with the ever‑consistent Pink Panthera also likely to secure a placing. In the Qatar Prix de la Forêt, Doyle sees an opportunity for Irish trainer Fozzy Stack’s Thesecretadversary to excel, noting the horse’s preference for a longer trip that suits the race’s configuration.
The Jersey Stakes winner presents a value pick against favourite Samangan, who only managed a narrow victory in a crowded finish at Deauville. Aidan O'Brien’s True Love, despite a fifth‑place finish in the Matron, could benefit from a drop in distance and deliver a strong performance. Hollie also discussed William Haggas’s role beyond the Arc, highlighting his involvement in two Ascot feature races on Saturday, including the Group 3 Bet MGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes.
Veteran Al Aasy, a proven class horse, is the benchmark to beat, while stablemate Tenability, a Listed August Stakes winner, looks progressive but must step up to challenge Al Aasy’s dominance. She mentioned the Division’s near‑miss in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, a form that sets a high bar for the John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes. Haggas’s Wathnan Racing colt may be compromised by a slow start, yet the race could provide a valuable Group 3 win if conditions suit him.
Potential pitfalls include Godolphin’s Hidden Force, who has undergone wind surgery since a Craven defeat, and Marco Botti’s Prince Of India, who must prove his ability after a Listed win at Newmarket. The blog concluded with a note that Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft and invited fans to watch every race from Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing throughout Friday and Saturday.