Ahead of the much‑anticipated Arc weekend, Hollie Doyle took a moment to share her thoughts in an exclusive blog post, offering a detailed preview of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. She explains why she is aligned with Maltese Cross, the three‑year‑old colt that has already given her husband Tom Marquand, trainer William Haggas, and owner George Waud a realistic shot at winning one of the sport’s most prestigious races.
Maltese Cross has been a revelation this season. After a brilliant victory in the Grand Prix de Paris and a solid performance in the Great Voltigeur at York, the colt has already hinted at a level of ability that many believe is only the beginning. Both of those outings saw the horse encounter a bit of rough riding, yet his composure and intelligence—especially for a three‑year‑old—suggest he can handle the chaos that typically unfolds in the Arc, even from an outside draw in stall 11. The defending champion, Daryz, will pose a serious challenge.
Backed by a favorable draw and expertly prepared by Francis‑Henri Graffard, Daryz looks the horse to beat on paper. However, Maltese Cross’s only defeat this year came on softer ground in the Derby, meaning he is still very much in the mix when the ground is firm, as it usually is at Longchamp in early October. British‑trained Kalpana, the Andrew Balding‑trained mare who captured the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and then proved her class in the Yorkshire Oaks, could also make a splash. Her presence would add an extra layer of intrigue, showcasing the depth of talent among the British contingent.
Turning to the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (Criterium des Pouliches), Green Empress appears to be the under‑dog after a lackluster run in the Moyglare Stakes where she was outclassed by the prolific Sun Goddess. Nonetheless, Godolphin’s Miss Miniver offers a potential avenue for profit if Green Empress shows any vulnerability. Meanwhile, Allela, a market rival backed by Roger Varian, is emerging after a fourth‑place finish in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket, suggesting the race could be a prime opportunity to claim a relatively weak Group 1 at attractive odds. In the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère (Longines), Joseph O'Brien’s Folsom Blues looks poised to continue his impressive season.
The son of Blue Point rebounded strongly after a close second to Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes, then secured a dominant win in the Group 1 National Stakes. Although his draw isn’t ideal, his class should compensate, especially as James Doyle’s Imperial Strike appears overpriced given its recent Group 3 form. A victory for Naana's Shadow in the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp (Longines) would be a feel‑good story for trainer Katie Scott, who operates a modest stable but has produced a grey filly capable of winning the Group 3 trial over the same distance.
The filly’s stall 13 draw is far from perfect on a track that favours inside positions, so Francis‑Henri Graffard’s SHIRI could upset the form, while Harry Eustace’s Time For Sandals remains a contender if she can rediscover her best shape. Aventure, fresh from a Group 1 win in the Prix Romanet, will look to add another top‑level victory in the Prix de l'Opera (Longines). Christophe Ferland’s mare defeated a sub‑par Diamond Necklace, raising questions about the strength of that performance.
Aidan O'Brien’s Precise, who has not won since the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot but previously showed she could handle elite competition, offers an alternative to the likely favourite. Pink Panthera, ever‑consistent, is also expected to be in the mix for a placing. In the Qatar Prix de la Forêt (Longines), Irish jockey Fozzy Stack may give his mount Thesecretadversary a chance to shine.
The horse, a former Jersey Stakes winner, should benefit from a step back in trip, presenting a value option against favourite Samangan, who only managed a narrow win at Deauville. Aidan O'Brien’s True Love, despite a fifth‑place finish in the Matron, could also benefit from a shorter distance and could be a factor in the finish. William Haggas, who trains Maltese Cross, also has his eye on two feature races at Ascot on Saturday, including the Group 3 Bet MGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes (2.25). Veteran Al Aasy is the class horse to beat in that contest, having already proven his ability at a higher level this year.
His stablemate Tenability, a tough competitor who won the Listed August Stakes, will need to step up to challenge Al Aasy’s dominance. The John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes (3.00) presents a test for Wathnan Racing’s colt, also trained by Haggas. A slow start could compromise his chances, but the race’s pace scenario could still provide a valuable Group 3 win. Godolphin’s Hidden Force, after undergoing wind surgery following a runner‑up finish in the Craven, might surprise, while Marco Botti’s Prince Of India looks to build on his Listed victory at Newmarket.
Hollie Doyle discussed these insights with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the upcoming events. She encouraged fans to tune in to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage of the Arc and the Ascot Autumn Racing Weekend, promising a weekend packed with high‑quality racing, compelling storylines, and the chance to see whether Maltese Cross can finally deliver Arc glory for Marquand, Haggas, and their connections.