Scandinavia heads into the first day of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe meeting as the marquee attraction, taking on a strong lineup that includes Queenstown and Caballo De Mar. The star stayer, trained by Aidan O'Brien, is the clear favorite in a ten‑horse field for the prestigious Group 1 Prix du Cadran, and his recent record makes him a daunting opponent. Over his last eight starts Scandinavia has remained unbeaten, racking up five Group 1 triumphs and proving his stamina over extended distances.
With such a dominant résumé, few expect him to be seriously challenged as he steps up in trip once more. Among the potential threats, stablemate Queenstown, piloted by Wayne Lordan, looks the most likely to cause a problem. The colt returned in August with a convincing Group 3 win at the Curragh and subsequently finished a close second to Scandinavia in the Irish St Leger.
After having placed third in this race last year, Queenstown could again find a position in the finish and test the favourite’s dominance. Caballo De Mar, the defending champion trained by George Scott, is also in the mix after a strong comeback win in the Doncaster Cup. While he may not be the outright favorite, his proven staying ability means he cannot be dismissed. Double Major, meanwhile, offers value at longer odds and could surprise if the pace unfolds in his favor.
The programme also features a Group 1 Prix de Royallieu with a field of eleven, highlighted by the elegant pair Sunly and Wardaah. French trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard has bypassed the Arc to focus on this race, giving Sunly a short‑priced chance to secure her first top‑level victory under jockey Christophe Soumillon. If she can stay the extra distance, she may outclass the competition.
Wardaah, fresh from a dominant Park Hill Stakes win at Doncaster where she beat Consent and Cameo, appears ready to step up to the higher grade. Consent, the previous year’s winner after edging out Santorini Star, has shown steady improvement, finishing fourth at Goodwood and third at Doncaster this season. Earth Shot, a Ribblesdale winner, also adds depth to the field and could be an each‑way contender.
Turning to the BetMGM Challenge Cup, a competitive sprint over seven furlongs, Thunder Call and Mezcala emerge as the leading candidates from a field of eighteen. Thunder Call, trained by William Haggas, demonstrated his ability to handle the distance with an easy victory last month and will start from the challenging stall one draw. Mezcala, ridden by Jack Channon, captured the Buckingham Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting and has been given a 1‑pound allowance for his upcoming run at Doncaster, improving his chances.
Other notable sprinters include course specialist Hickory, who consistently performs well on this track, and Moonfall, a George Boughey trainee who impressed at Doncaster but must prove he can handle the dip to seven furlongs. In the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay at 12:23 pm, Pierre Bonnard, a son of Camelot, seeks redemption after a disappointing St Leger run. He was only two lengths behind the Arc hopeful Maltese Cross in the Great Voltigeur, suggesting he is the class act of the field. Opponents include Space Waltz from the formidable Fabre stable and Victoire Magique, who will be ridden by Amy Murphy in pursuit of a third consecutive win.
The subsequent Group 2 Prix Dollar pits Wimbledon Hawkeye against Phineas. Hawkeye was arguably unlucky in the Irish Champion Stakes, while Phineas, a four‑time winner, represents the talent of the Fabre operation.
Distant Storm, representing Charlie Appleby and Godolphin after a Deauville success, rounds out the field. At 4:35 pm, the Prix Daniel Wildenstein features Quddwah as the favorite, with challengers Fallen Angel and 2025 Sussex Stakes winner Qirat looking to upset the odds. The 1:15 pm BetMGM British EBF October Stakes at Ascot sees So Regal, trained by John and Thady Gosden, as the leading contender after a credible Group 3 performance.
Secret History, a three‑time winner, could also pose a serious threat despite a sub‑optimal run in a competitive York handicap in August. The day continues with the five‑furlong BetMGM Rous Stakes at 1:50 pm, where Tuco Salamanca and Regional lock horns, followed by the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at 2:25 pm featuring crowd‑pleaser Al Aasy against five rivals. Al Aasy demonstrated grit by beating Chestnut Rocket—who is slated for Sunday’s Arc—at Deauville. At 3:00 pm, the John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes showcases Prince Of India versus Division, with Division currently the market favorite after a narrow defeat to Samangan in France.
Meanwhile, the Fontwell and Southwell meetings open their gates for a mix of flat and jump racing, offering fifteen races across the two venues. The program kicks off with three Australian Group 1 contests, including Sir Delius and Aeliana in Flemington’s 7:25 am Turnball Stakes, following earlier top clashes at Randwick. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Mandanaba, a Grade 2 runner‑up earlier in the season, targets a win in the 9:44 pm First Lady Stakes. Classic Q will be partnered with John Velazquez as they step up to Grade 1 company, while stablemate And One More Time seeks a hat‑trick for trainer Mark Casse.
In the United States, Todd Pletcher’s American History, who dazzled on debut with an eight‑length victory, returns in the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity, a Grade 1 for two‑year‑olds. Over at Woodbine, Purview faces Ancient Egypt in the Grade 1 Canadian International before the focus shifts back to the U.S. for Keeneland’s Coolmore Turf Mile, where Lake Forest carries the Haggas colors with Cieren Fallon aboard. Overall, the Arc weekend promises a blend of high‑profile Group 1 showdowns, intriguing middle‑distance contests, and sprint battles that will keep racing fans glued to Sky Sports Racing.
With Scandinavia aiming for a sixth Group 1 triumph, and numerous other stars seeking to add to their laurels, the day offers a rich tapestry of talent, strategy, and the ever‑present possibility of an upset.