Ahead of the Arc weekend in Paris, Hollie Doyle took a moment to share her thoughts in an exclusive blog post, highlighting the impressive form of Maltese Cross and the promising prospects for her connections. She explained that she will be aboard Maltese Cross for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (3:05) at Longchamp on Sunday, a race that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
Doyle believes the colt offers a genuine chance for jockey Tom Marquand, trainer William Haggas and owner George Waud to capture one of the most prestigious prizes on the calendar. Maltese Cross has already produced a dazzling résumé this year, and Doyle is convinced that his best performances are still ahead. The Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltigeur at York were merely the opening chapters of a story that could see the three‑year‑old dominate at the highest level.
While he was a touch rough‑shod in those two outings, the horse displayed a calm, intelligent temperament that should serve him well when the Arc’s chaotic pace unfolds, especially given his wide draw from stall 11. Last year’s champion, Daryz, will pose a formidable challenge, enjoying a favourable post position and benefitting from the meticulous preparation of trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Nonetheless, Maltese Cross, whose only loss came on softer ground in the Derby, remains a serious threat to every rival in the field.
Doyle also expressed enthusiasm for the British filly Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding. Kalpana has proven she can hang with the males, having taken the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and then delivering a strong effort in the Yorkshire Oaks. Her presence would add another layer of intrigue to the Arc lineup. Turning to the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac – the Criterium des Pouliches (12:31) – Doyle noted that Green Empress is likely to be outclassed in what appears to be a slightly under‑whelming renewal of the race.
Joseph O'Brien’s filly was outpaced by the prolific Sun Goddess in the Moyglare Stakes, and any lingering weaknesses could be exploited by Godolphin’s promising Miss Miniver. In the same meeting, the market‑favourite Allela, trained by Roger Varian, could be a dark horse. Allela is the daughter of Wootton Bassett and has been progressing steadily after a fourth‑place finish in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket.
The race may present a rare chance to claim a relatively weak Group 1 at attractive odds. O'Brien’s season could continue on a high note with Folsom Blues targeting the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère Longines (1:09). The Blue Point colt, who was runner‑up to Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, rebounded with a decisive victory in the Group 1 National Stakes. Although his post position is not ideal, his class should allow him to overcome the draw, while James Doyle’s Imperial Strike appears over‑priced as it seeks to improve upon a Group 3 form line with the unbeaten Avec Toi.
On the sprint front, Doyle highlighted 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 runs a modest stable, has nurtured the filly into a Group 3 trial winner over the same distance and course last month, making her a logical favourite.
However, a poor draw from stall 13 on a track that heavily rewards inside positions could open the door for Francis‑Henri Graffard’s SHIRI to reverse the form, while Harry Eustace’s Time For Sandals remains a contender if she can rediscover her best shape. Aventure will likely be a short-priced option to supplement her Group 1 success in the Prix Romanet when she contests the Prix de l'Opera Longines (3:50). Christophe Ferland’s mare defeated a sub‑par Diamond Necklace, leaving some doubts about the strength of that performance.
By contrast, Aidan O'Brien’s Precise, who has not won since the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, showed strong form in elite company before a disappointing run in the Matron. Doyle believes Precise is now much improved and offers a solid alternative to the hot favourite, while the ever‑consistent Pink Panthera is expected to secure another placing. In the Qatar Prix de la Forêt (4:25), Fozzy Stack could deliver a win for Ireland with Thesecretadversary, a horse that should settle into a comfortable rhythm on a course that suits his style. The step back in trip is ideal for the Jersey Stakes victor, who presents a value alternative to the favourite Samangan, a horse that only managed a narrow win in a crowded finish at Deauville and may need a clearer run.
Aidan O'Brien’s True Love, after a fifth‑place finish in that same race and a lackluster effort in the Matron, is another candidate who could benefit from a shorter distance and return to form. William Haggas, who has Maltese Cross in the Arc, also commands the 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 victory this season and likely to be paired with Danny Tudhope.
Stablemate Tenability, a tough competitor who won the Listed August Stakes at Windsor, looks progressive but will need to step up to challenge Al Aasy. Division narrowly missed out on the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, a performance that sets a high benchmark for the John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes (3:00). Haggas’s Wathnan Racing colt may be compromised by a slow start, yet if the race unfolds to his liking it could provide a valuable Group 3 win on his record.
Potential pitfalls include Godolphin’s Hidden Force, which has undergone wind surgery since finishing a beaten favourite in the Craven, and Marco Botti’s Prince Of India, who must prove himself after a Listed win at Newmarket. Doyle concluded her interview with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft by urging fans to tune in for every race of the Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on both Friday and Saturday.