Kevin Blake, a seasoned analyst of flat racing, will be on the ground in Paris for the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and he has identified three promising contenders from the supporting programme that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The Arc weekend at Longchamp, backed by Qatar’s sponsorship, is universally recognised as a highlight of the international racing calendar, and the undercard is packed with Group 1 contests that often produce memorable performances. The main event, scheduled for 3:05 p.m.
on Sunday, is the Arc itself – a race that has become synonymous with excellence in the sport. Yet the races that precede it are no less important, offering a showcase of the world’s best sprinters, milers and middle‑distance runners. Recent weather patterns have been unusually dry, meaning the turf is expected to be good, perhaps even on the firmer side, which will influence the way the horses handle the course. First on Blake’s list is the renewal of the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines, a 1,200‑metre sprint set for 1:47 p.m.
While the quality of this year’s field may appear slightly below the very high standards of previous editions, the race still carries a crucial tactical element – the draw. Historically, a low draw (the inside stalls) provides a decisive edge in short, fast sprints because it allows a horse to secure a good position early and avoid traffic. Blake therefore backs SHIRI, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, who draws stall four. SHIRI is a daughter of the well‑regarded sire Mehmas and has shown a marked upward trajectory this season.
After being dropped back to five furlongs, she captured a Listed victory at Deauville with authority and then finished a close second to Naana's Shadow in a Group 3 at the same distance. The combination of her recent form, her proven ability over the sprint distance, and the advantageous inside draw makes her a strong candidate to finish among the placings, if not to win outright. The second pick focuses on the Prix de l'Opera Longines, a 2,000‑metre contest for fillies and mares scheduled for 3:50 p.m. The field is unusually rich in three‑year‑old talent, but the race’s benchmark is set by the established Group 1 performer Aventure, trained by Christophe Ferland.
Blake, however, believes the day may belong to an emerging star: MISS SCOTT, trained by the leading John and Thady Gosden partnership. MISS SCOTT is a daughter of Night Of Thunder and, despite a cautious campaign early in her career, has displayed steady improvement.
Her most recent triumph was a decisive win in the Snow Fairy Fillies' Stakes at the Curragh, where she showed a turn of foot and the ability to handle a slightly longer trip. Returning to a 2,000‑metre distance at Longchamp should suit her developing stamina, and while she will need a career‑best effort to challenge the in‑form Aventure, Blake feels she possesses the class and the momentum to cause an upset. Her recent form, combined with the tactical flexibility of a middle‑distance race, gives her a realistic chance of taking the prize. The third recommendation is for the Qatar Prix de la Foret, run at 4:25 p.m.
over a distance that is officially listed as seven furlongs but, in practice, is a touch shorter due to a downhill bend that effectively reduces the true length. The ground is expected to be on the firmer side, which generally favours speed over stamina.
Blake’s selection is THESECRETADVERSARY, a colt trained by Fozzy Stack and sired by St Mark's Basilica. THIS SECRET ADVERSARY has been unbeaten in his three starts over trips under a mile this season, including victories in the prestigious Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville. Although he has suffered three defeats in Group 1 races over a mile, those setbacks should not detract from his proven ability over shorter distances.
The combination of his unbeaten record at sprint‑mile trips, his pedigree, and the firm, speed‑testing surface at Longchamp makes him an ideal candidate to excel in the Prix de la Foret. Blake expects him to leverage his turn of foot and tactical speed to outpace his rivals, especially those less accustomed to the downhill section. In summary, Blake’s three undercard picks – SHIRI in the Abbaye, MISS SCOTT in the Opera, and THESECRETADVERSARY in the Prix de la Foret – each have a clear set of attributes that align with the conditions expected on the day. The inside draw for SHIRI, the developing stamina of MISS SCOTT, and the speed‑focused profile of THESECRETADVERSARY all dovetail with the firm ground and race configurations.
While horse racing always retains an element of unpredictability, these selections are grounded in recent form, pedigree, and tactical considerations, offering viewers of Sky Sports Racing a well‑reasoned guide to the day’s most intriguing contests.