Ahead of the Arc weekend, Hollie Doyle took a moment to pen an exclusive blog post that captures her excitement and insights as she prepares to back Maltese Cross at the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. In her own words, she explains why she is aligned with the Maltese Cross team and what makes the three‑year‑old colt such a compelling contender for the 3.05 mile showdown on Sunday, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
Doyle begins by noting the obvious connection: "I'm on the Maltese Cross team for obvious reasons," she writes, emphasizing the close relationship between the horse, her husband Tom Marquand, trainer William Haggas, and owner George Waud. She believes that the combination of Marquand’s riding skill, Haggas’s training expertise, and Waud’s ownership support gives Maltese Cross a genuine chance to capture the most prestigious race on the European calendar. The blog highlights the colt’s remarkable achievements so far in the season. Doyle points out that the Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltigeur at York were merely the first signs of the horse’s ability.
"What he's achieved this year has been pretty spectacular and I don't think anyone's seen the best of him yet," she asserts. Both of those races saw Maltese Cross encounter a bit of rough riding, yet he displayed a mature temperament for a three‑year‑old, a trait that should serve him well in the chaotic, high‑pressure environment of the Arc, especially given his wide draw from stall 11. She acknowledges the competition, noting last year’s winner Daryz as a formidable opponent. Daryz benefits from a favorable draw and has been meticulously prepared by trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard.
Nevertheless, Doyle argues that Maltese Cross, whose sole defeat came on softer ground in the Derby, remains a serious threat to every rival in the field. Doyle also expresses enthusiasm for fellow British‑trained runner Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding. Kalpana’s recent victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and a strong performance in the Yorkshire Oaks demonstrate that she can hold her own against the best colts and fillies on the day.
Turning to the fillies’ division, Doyle discusses Green Empress, who will contest the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac Criterium des Pouliches over 12.31 at Longchamp. She notes that Green Empress was outclassed by Sun Goddess in the Moyglare Stakes, suggesting that the Godolphin filly Miss Miniver could exploit any weaknesses. Doyle also mentions Allela, a market rival backed by Roger Varian, who has shown promise after a fourth‑place finish in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket.
The race could present an opportunity to secure a relatively weak Group 1 victory. The blog then shifts to the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère Longines (1.09) where Joseph O'Brien’s son of Blue Point, Folsom Blues, is set to race.
After a respectable performance behind Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes and a dominant win in the Group 1 National Stakes, Folsom Blues has the class to overcome a less than ideal draw. Doyle also points out that James Doyle’s Imperial Strike appears overpriced as it attempts to rebound from a Group 3 defeat, while the unbeaten Avec Toi remains a strong contender. In the sprint division, Doyle hopes for a victory by Naana’s Shadow in the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (1.47) for trainer Katie Scott. Despite being a small‑scale operation, Scott has nurtured the grey filly into a Group 3 winner over the same distance and course last month, making her a logical favorite.
However, a wide stall 13 may compromise her chances on a track that often rewards inside draws. Doyle suggests keeping an eye on Francis‑Henri Graffard’s SHIRI, which could turn the tables, and Harry Eustace’s Time For Sandals, a horse with the talent to be competitive if she regains top form. Aventure, a proven Group 1 performer, will look to add another prize in the Prix de l'Opera Longines (3.50). Although her recent win over a sub‑par Diamond Necklace raises questions about the strength of that form, she remains a short‑priced option.
Doyle also favors Aidan O'Brien’s Precise, who, despite a lackluster run in the Matron, has previously captured the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and shown she can handle elite company. The Qatar Prix de la Forêt (4.25) offers a chance for Irish representation through Fozzy Stack’s entry, Thesecretadversary.
The horse’s stamina should suit the track, and a step back in distance could benefit the Jersey Stakes winner, presenting a value alternative to the favourite Samangan, whose recent Deauville finish was a crowded finish that may not reflect his true ability. Aidan O'Brien’s True Love, after a fifth‑place finish in the same race and a below‑par effort in the Matron, could also benefit from the shorter trip, adding depth to the field.
Doyle then returns to the Ascot weekend, where William Haggas, the trainer of Maltese Cross, also fields entries in two feature races on Saturday. In the Group 3 Bet MGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes (2.25), veteran Al Aasy stands out as the class horse and a likely target for rivals. Stablemate Tenability, a tough Listed August Stakes winner, will need to improve to challenge Al Aasy’s dominance. The John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes (3.00) sees Division, who narrowly missed a Group 1 win in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, aiming to prove his mettle.
William Haggas’s Wathnan Racing colt may struggle with a slow start, but a race run to his strengths could secure a valuable Group 3 victory. Potential spoilers include Godolphin’s Hidden Force, who has undergone wind surgery after a disappointing run in the Craven, and Marco Botti’s Prince Of India, a Listed winner at Newmarket who will look to make an impact. The blog concludes with a note that Hollie Doyle was interviewed by Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft and invites fans to watch every race from Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday and Saturday.