Kevin Blake, the seasoned horse‑racing analyst, will be on the ground in Paris for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and has highlighted three promising contenders on the day’s supporting programme, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The Qatar‑sponsored Arc weekend at Longchamp, streamed by Sky Sports Racing, is universally regarded as one of the premier events on the global racing calendar. While the headline race – the Arc itself – is scheduled for 3:05 p.m.
on Sunday and carries the weight of history and prestige, the undercard is equally compelling, featuring a string of Group 1 contests that can shape the season’s narrative. Recent weather patterns have been unusually dry, leaving the turf in a state that can best be described as "good to firm." That condition will influence the pace and the type of horse that thrives, favouring those with a turn of foot and the ability to handle a slightly harder surface.
First up is the renewal of the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines, run at 1:47 p.m. Although this sprint has been viewed by some as a weaker edition compared with previous years, the race’s perennial characteristic – the draw – remains a decisive factor. A low stall often confers a tactical edge, and Blake’s selection reflects that reality.
He backs SHIRI, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, who starts from stall four. SHIRI is a daughter of the notable sire Mehmas and has shown marked progress over sprint distances this season. After dropping back to five furlongs, she captured a Listed victory at Deauville in emphatic fashion and then finished a close second to Naana's Shadow in a Group 3 at the same course and distance.
The combination of a favourable inside draw and her proven ability to accelerate sharply makes her a strong candidate to deliver a winning performance. Next, the Prix de l'Opera Longines at 3:50 p.m. presents a compelling clash of three‑year‑old talent.
While the field includes several high‑profile juveniles, the race’s benchmark is currently set by Aventure, a seasoned performer trained by Christophe Ferland. Blake, however, sees an opportunity for an emerging star to upset the established order. He points to MISS SCOTT, trained by the distinguished John and Thady Gosden partnership, as a serious threat.
MISS SCOTT is a daughter of Night Of Thunder and, despite being carefully managed early in her career, has displayed a steady upward trajectory. Her most recent triumph came in the Snow Fairy Fillies' Stakes at the Curragh, where she displayed both stamina and a turn of foot. Returning to the slightly longer distance of the Opera should suit her developing stamina, and while she will need to produce a career‑best effort to challenge the in‑form Aventure, Blake believes she possesses the class and the recent form to cause an upset. Finally, the Qatar Prix de la Forêt at 4:25 p.m.
offers a nuanced test that often catches casual observers off guard. Though advertised as a seven‑furlong race, the actual distance is marginally shorter, and a significant portion of the course includes a downhill bend that can advantage horses with early speed. The ground, expected to be firmer than usual for this meeting, will further tilt the balance toward speed rather than stamina.
Blake’s top choice is THESECRETADVERSARY, trained by Fozzy Stack. This colt, a son of the brilliant St Mark’s Basilica, has remained unbeaten in his three starts over trips shorter than a mile this season, including victories in the 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 losses do not diminish his proven effectiveness over the shorter, sharper distances that define the Prix de la Forêt. The combination of his pedigree, recent form, and the likely firm ground makes him a prime candidate to excel.
In summary, Blake’s three selections – SHIRI in the Abbaye, MISS SCOTT in the Opera, and THESECRETADVERSARY in the Forêt – each capitalize on specific race conditions, draw advantages, and recent performance trends. Spectators tuning in via Sky Sports Racing can anticipate a day where the undercard delivers drama and high‑quality racing that complements the grandeur of the Arc itself. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, keeping an eye on these three horses could add an extra layer of excitement to one of the sport’s most celebrated weekends.