As the Arc weekend approaches, Hollie Doyle took a moment to share her thoughts in a freshly written blog before heading to Paris to back Maltese Cross. She explains that she will be riding the talented three‑year‑old in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, a 3.05‑mile contest at Longchamp that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
Doyle believes the horse gives her husband, jockey Tom Marquand, trainer William Haggas and owner George Waud a genuine chance of winning one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Maltese Cross’s 2023 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, and Doyle feels the public has yet to see his full potential.
The Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltigeur at York were merely the opening chapters of a story that promises much more. Although the colt was a little rough‑shod in those two races, his mental maturity for a three‑year‑old is already evident, and that composure should serve him well when the chaos of the Arc erupts, especially from a wide draw in stall 11. The defending champion, Daryz, will undoubtedly pose a serious challenge.
With a favorable draw and meticulous preparation from master trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard, Daryz looks like a horse built for the day. Still, Doyle points out that Maltese Cross’s sole defeat came on softer ground in the Derby, suggesting that on firm or good ground he will be a formidable threat to every contender. She also expresses enthusiasm for the British filly Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding.
Kalpana proved she can hold her own against the colts by winning the King George and then delivering a strong performance in the Yorkshire Oaks. Doyle hopes the mare will make a noticeable impact in the race. Turning to the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac Criterium des Pouliches (12.31) on Sunday, Doyle notes that Green Empress may be the under‑dog after a lackluster showing in the Moyglare Stakes where she was outclassed by Sun Goddess.
However, she suggests that any weakness in the French filly could be taken advantage of by Godolphin’s promising runner Miss Miniver. She encourages fans to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features via their mobile devices.
In the meantime, she highlights the market rival Allela, who could be a surprise factor. Trainer Roger Varian has been backing the daughter of Wootton Bassett after a fourth‑place finish in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket, making her a tempting option in what could be a relatively weak Group 1 field. Joseph O'Brien’s season could continue on a high note with Folsom Blues in the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère Longines (1.09). The Blue Point son was only narrowly beaten by Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh and then bounced back to dominate the Group 1 National Stakes.
Although his draw isn’t ideal, his class should allow him to overcome it, while James Doyle’s Imperial Strike appears overpriced as it seeks to reverse a Group 3 form slump with the unbeaten Avec Toi. Doyle also champions Naana’s Shadow, a grey filly trained by Katie Scott, as a potential winner of the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (1.47). Scott, who works with a small stable, has nurtured the filly to a Group 3 trial win over the same distance and course last month, justifying her status as a favourite.
Yet, a stall 13 draw on a track that heavily rewards inside positions could be problematic, opening the door for Francis‑Henri Graffard’s SHIRI to turn the tables, while Harry Eustace’s Time For Sandals remains a credible contender if she returns to form. Aventure, after her Group 1 triumph in the Prix Romanet, will look to add another victory in the Prix de l'Opera Longines (3.50).
Christophe Ferland’s mare beat a sub‑par Diamond Necklace, leaving some doubts about the strength of that performance. Doyle leans toward Aidan O’Brien’s Precise, who has not led since her Coronation Stakes win at Royal Ascot but showed she could compete at the highest level before a lackluster Matron run.
Precise appears stronger now and could serve as a solid alternative to the likely favourite, while the ever‑consistent Pink Panthera is expected to place again. Fozzy Stack may give Ireland a boost in the Qatar Prix de la Forêt (4.25) with Thesecretadversary, a horse that should find a comfortable rhythm on a track that suits his style. Dropping back in distance seems 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. Aidan O’Brien’s True Love, despite a fifth‑place finish in that race and an underwhelming Matron run, could also benefit from a shorter trip and deliver a strong performance.
Haggas, who trains Maltese Cross for the Arc, also holds the reins for two feature races at Ascot on Saturday, including the Group 3 Bet MGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes (2.25), televised live on Sky Sports Racing. Veteran Al Aasy is the class horse in that contest and the one to beat, having already secured a higher‑level win this year and partnering well with jockey Danny Tudhope. Stablemate Tenability, a tough competitor who captured the Listed August Stakes at Windsor, looks progressive but will need to step up to challenge Al Aasy. Division, who narrowly missed the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, will target the John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes (3.00).
William Haggas’s Wathnan Racing colt may be hampered by a slow start, yet if the race unfolds to his advantage it could provide a valuable Group 3 win. Potential flaws could be exposed by Godolphin’s Hidden Force, who has undergone wind surgery since a runner‑up finish in the Craven Stakes, while Marco Botti’s Prince Of India must perform well after a Listed victory at Newmarket. Doyle concluded her interview with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, urging viewers to watch every race from Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday and Saturday.