Kevin Blake, a seasoned analyst of thoroughbred racing, will be on the ground in Paris for the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and has highlighted three promising contenders on the supporting card, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The Qatar-sponsored Arc weekend at Longchamp, streamed by Sky Sports Racing, stands as one of the most celebrated fixtures on the international racing calendar. The headline contest at 3:05 p.m.
on Sunday is the Arc itself, a race steeped in history and regarded as one of the sport's ultimate tests. Yet the undercard is equally compelling, featuring a cascade of Group 1 events that attract top‑class horses, trainers and jockeys from across Europe. Recent weather patterns have been unusually dry, leaving the turf firm to good – a condition that generally favors speed‑oriented runners while still offering enough give for horses that need a bit of cushion underfoot.
With the ground likely to be on the firmer side, bettors should factor in how each horse handles faster, more responsive surfaces. First up is the Sunday renewal of the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines at 1:47 p.m.
While the race has not produced a standout winner in recent years, the draw remains a decisive factor. A low stall can provide a tactical edge, especially on a course where the first turn is reached quickly. Blake therefore backs SHIRI, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, who starts from stall four.
SHIRI is the progeny of Mehmas and has shown a marked improvement over sprint distances this season. After being dropped back to five furlongs, she captured a Listed victory at Deauville with authority and then finished a close second to Naana's Shadow in a Group 3 at the same distance.
The combination of a favorable barrier and her demonstrated affinity for short, sharp trips suggests she could be the best‑placed finisher on the day. Next, the Prix de l'Opera Longines at 3:50 p.m. presents a fascinating clash of three‑year‑old talent, but the race is anchored by the established champion Aventure, a Christophe Ferland‑trained star who has already proven her class at the highest level.
Blake, however, sees an opportunity for an emerging talent to upset the order: MISS SCOTT, trained by John and Thady Gosden. MISS SCOTT is a daughter of Night Of Thunder, a horse that has been carefully managed early in her career, taking incremental steps up in class. She capped her progression with a dominant win in the Snow Fairy Fillies' Stakes at the Curragh, showcasing both turn of foot and a strong finishing kick.
Returning to a slightly longer distance should suit her natural stamina while still allowing her to exploit her speed. Although she will need to produce a career‑best effort to challenge the in‑form Aventure, Blake believes her recent form and the generous draw could see her deliver a performance that shakes up the placings. The final pick comes from the Qatar Prix de la Foret at 4:25 p.m., a race that often surprises because the official distance of seven furlongs is slightly shortened by a downhill bend, effectively testing raw speed more than endurance.
With the ground expected to be firmer than usual, horses that can maintain a high cruising speed will have an advantage. Blake backs THESECRETADVERSARY, trained by Fozzy Stack, a son of St Mark's Basilica. This colt has remained unbeaten in three starts over trips under a mile this season, including victories in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville.
While he has suffered defeats in three Group 1 contests over a mile, those losses should not detract from his proven potency over shorter distances. The combination of a firm surface, a course layout that favors speed, and his unbeaten record at similar trips makes THESECRETADVERSARY a logical choice for the win.
In summary, Blake's selections reflect a blend of tactical considerations—such as draw position and ground firmness—and an assessment of each horse's recent form and suitability to the specific demands of the Longchamp undercard. Whether you are watching from a living room in the UK or placing a bet at a local bookmaker, these three picks provide a solid framework for navigating the complex and exciting racing action that accompanies the Arc weekend.