Ahead of the much‑anticipated Arc weekend in Paris, Hollie Doyle took a moment to share her thoughts in an exclusive blog post, outlining why she believes Maltese Cross will be the horse to watch in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. She explains that she is riding the colt for obvious reasons—his pedigree, his recent form, and the talented team surrounding him—including jockey Tom Marquand, trainer William Haggas, and owner George Waud. All three have a genuine opportunity to claim victory in what is arguably the most prestigious race on the European calendar. Doyle emphasizes that Maltese Cross’s achievements this season have been nothing short of spectacular, and she feels the horse has not yet shown the full extent of his ability.
The Grand Prix de Paris win and his strong performance in the Great Voltigeur at York were merely the tip of the iceberg. Although he was somewhat “roughed up” in those contests, his temperament and racing intellect—especially for a three‑year‑old—should serve him well in the chaotic, fast‑paced environment of the Arc.
Moreover, his wide draw from stall 11 could actually prove advantageous, allowing him to settle comfortably before making a decisive move. The defending champion, Daryz, will undoubtedly pose a serious challenge.
Daryz enjoys a favorable draw and has been meticulously prepared by his trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Nevertheless, Doyle points out that Maltese Cross’s only defeat this year came on softer ground in the Derby, suggesting that on the firmer turf typical of Longchamp, he will be a formidable threat to every rival. British‑trained Kalpana, the Andrew Balding filly, also deserves a mention. After a dominant King George victory and an impressive run in the Yorkshire Oaks, she has proven she can compete with the best male horses.
Doyle hopes to see Kalpana make an impact, adding another layer of intrigue to the race. Turning to the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac – the Criterium des Pouliches – Doyle notes that Green Empress is likely to be the underdog after a lackluster showing in the Moyglare Stakes, where she was outclassed by Sun Goddess. However, she warns that any weakness in the Godolphin‑trained Miss Miniver could be exploited, making the race more open than the market suggests. She also highlights Allela, a daughter of Wootton Bassett, who has been backed by Roger Varian after a respectable fourth place in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket.
With the Group 1 field appearing relatively weak, Allela could represent a value pick for punters. In the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère Longines, Joseph O'Brien’s Folsom Blues is poised to continue his excellent season.
The son of Blue Point bounced back from a close defeat behind Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes, then claimed the Group 1 National Stakes in emphatic fashion. Although his draw is not ideal, his class should compensate, and Doyle believes he can overcome any positional disadvantage. James Doyle’s mount Imperial Strike, meanwhile, appears overpriced given his recent Group 3 form.
The unbeaten Avec Toi, on the other hand, offers a more credible alternative for those seeking a solid return. On the sprint front, Doyle expresses hope that Naana's Shadow can secure a win in the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines. Trained by Katie Scott—a trainer who works with a small but highly effective string—the grey filly captured the Group 3 trial over the same distance and course last month, making her a logical favorite. Yet her wide stall 13 could be a hindrance on a track that heavily rewards inside draws.
In response, she keeps an eye on Francis‑Henri Graffard’s SHIRI, which may reverse the form, and Harry Eustace’s Time For Sandals, a horse with the talent to challenge if she regains peak condition. Aventure, a Group 1 winner in the Prix Romanet, will be stepping back up to contest the Prix de l'Opera Longines. While Christophe Ferland’s mare defeated a sub‑par Diamond Necklace, Doyle questions the strength of that performance. She prefers Aidan O'Brien’s Precise, who has not won since her Coronation Stakes triumph at Royal Ascot but showed strong form against top competition before a disappointing Matron outing.
Precise appears markedly improved and could serve as a strong alternative to the race’s likely favorite, with the consistent Pink Panthera also expected to place. In the Qatar Prix de la Foret, Fozzy Stack may deliver a notable Irish victory aboard Thesecretadversary. The horse’s stamina and ability to settle into a comfortable rhythm should suit the course, and a step back in distance could benefit the Jersey Stakes winner, offering a value alternative to the favorite Samangan, who only managed a narrow win at Deauville. Aidan O'Brien’s True Love, after a fifth‑place finish in the same race and a lackluster Matron performance, could also benefit from a shorter trip, potentially providing a solid return.
Back at Ascot, William Haggas, who will guide Maltese Cross in the Arc, also has two key races on Saturday. In the Group 3 Bet MGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes, veteran Al Aasy stands out as the class horse and the one to beat.
Having already secured a higher‑level victory this year, he should be well‑placed alongside Danny Tudhope. Stablemate Tenability, a tough competitor who won the Listed August Stakes, 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, adds depth to the John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes. William Haggas’s Wathnan Racing colt may have a slow start, but if the race unfolds to suit him, it could be a prime chance to earn a Group 3 win.
Potential spoilers include Godolphin’s Hidden Force—who has undergone wind surgery since a Craven runner‑up—and Marco Botti’s Prince Of India, who must prove his ability after a Listed victory at Newmarket. Doyle concluded her interview with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, reminding fans to tune in for live coverage of Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot on Friday and Saturday via Sky Sports Racing.
The comprehensive preview underscores the depth of talent across the weekend’s program and highlights why Maltese Cross remains the horse to watch as the Arc approaches, with a strong jockey, trainer, and ownership team poised to deliver a memorable victory.