Ahead of the much‑anticipated Arc weekend in Paris, Hollie Doyle took a moment to share her thoughts in an exclusive blog post, offering a detailed preview of the race and the key contenders she believes could shape the outcome. She begins by confirming her role on the Maltese Cross team for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, a 3m 5f contest at Longchamp that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
Doyle explains that her involvement is not merely symbolic; the partnership gives her husband, jockey Tom Marquand, trainer William Haggas and owner George Waud a genuine shot at securing one of the most prestigious victories in flat racing. Doyle praises Maltese Cross for his spectacular season so far, noting that the horse has already demonstrated a level of ability that suggests his best performances may still be ahead. She references two of his recent outings – the Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltigeur at York – as merely the "tip of the iceberg" in terms of his potential.
While both races saw the colt encounter a bit of rough handling, his composure and intelligence, especially for a three‑year‑old, impressed her. Those qualities, she argues, will be vital in navigating the chaotic, high‑pressure environment of the Arc, particularly given his wide draw from stall 11. Turning to the competition, Doyle acknowledges last year’s winner, Daryz, as a formidable opponent. Daryz benefits from a favorable draw and has been meticulously prepared by master trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard.
Nonetheless, Doyle believes Maltese Cross, whose sole defeat this year came on softer ground in the Derby, remains a serious threat to every rival in the field. She also expresses enthusiasm for British filly Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding. Kalpana’s recent King George victory and a strong showing in the Yorkshire Oaks illustrate that she can hold her own against the top male horses, and Doyle hopes to see her make a significant impact on the Arc day. The blog then shifts focus to the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (Criterium des Pouliches) slated for Sunday.
Green Empress, who suffered a disappointing run in the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac, is expected to be outclassed. Doyle points out that Joseph O'Brien’s filly, who was bested only by the prolific Sun Goddess in the Moyglare Stakes, may have vulnerabilities that could be exploited by Godolphin’s Miss Miniver.
She continues by highlighting the market dynamics surrounding Green Empress’s rival, Allela. Trainer Roger Varian has been steadily backing Allela after a fourth‑place finish in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket, suggesting that the filly could represent a relatively easy Group 1 win if she can capitalize on the opportunity. Doyle then turns her attention to the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère Longines, where she believes Joseph O'Brien’s Folsom Blues can extend his impressive season. The Blue Point son, who finished a close second to Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, rebounded with a dominant victory in the Group 1 National Stakes.
Although his draw may not be ideal, his class should allow him to overcome any positional disadvantages. She also notes that James Doyle’s Imperial Strike appears overpriced, especially when compared with the unbeaten Avec Toi, who is looking to improve upon his Group 3 form. In the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines, Doyle supports the notion that Naana's Shadow could deliver a win for trainer Katie Scott.
Despite being a small‑scale operation, Scott has nurtured the grey filly to success, including a Group 3 trial win over the same distance and course. However, a less‑than‑ideal stall 13 draw at Longchamp could hamper her chances, prompting Doyle to keep an eye on Francis‑Henri Graffard’s SHIRI and Harry Eustace’s Time For Sandals as potential challengers.
She also discusses Aventure’s prospects in the Prix de l'Opéra Longines. While Aventure secured a Group 1 win in the Prix Romanet, the quality of her competition – a sub‑par Diamond Necklace – raises questions about the strength of that form. Doyle favors Aidan O'Brien’s Precise, who, despite a lackluster Matron performance, has shown she can compete at the highest level, having previously triumphed in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Precise, Doyle argues, appears a strong alternative to the likely favourite, especially given the consistent form of Pink Panthera.
The discussion moves to the Qatar Prix de la Forêt, where Fozzy Stack’s entry, Thesecretadversary, could be a valuable Irish option. The horse’s stamina and ability to settle into a rhythm on a track that suits his strengths make him a compelling 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 modest fifth place in the Matron, may also benefit from the shorter distance.
Doyle also highlights William Haggas’s dual responsibilities on the weekend: handling Maltese Cross in the Arc and targeting two feature races at Ascot on Saturday, including the Group 3 Bet MGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes. Veteran Al Aasy is identified as the class horse in that race, with a proven record at a higher level this year, while stablemate Tenability, a Listed August Stakes winner, offers a solid, progressive alternative. She notes the Division’s near‑miss in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, suggesting that the form they displayed raises the bar for the John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes, another Group 3 contest where William Haggas’s Wathnan Racing colt could capitalize if the race unfolds to his advantage.
Potential threats include Godolphin’s Hidden Force, which has undergone wind‑surgery since a runner‑up finish in the Craven, and Marco Botti’s Prince Of India, a Listed winner at Newmarket. The blog concludes with a brief mention of her interview with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft and an invitation to viewers to watch every race from Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing across Friday and Saturday. Overall, Doyle’s blog blends insider knowledge with thoughtful analysis, offering fans a comprehensive preview of the Arc and the surrounding programme.
Her insights underscore the depth of talent on display, the strategic importance of draw positions, and the ever‑present possibility of upsets in top‑level flat racing. Fans can anticipate an exhilarating weekend of high‑stakes competition, with Maltese Cross positioned as a leading contender for glory in Paris, while a host of other horses – from Kalpana to Precise – vie for their own moments of triumph.