Kevin Blake, a seasoned horse‑racing analyst, will be on the ground in Paris for the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. While the main event at 3:05 p.m.
on Sunday draws the headlines, Blake has identified three promising runners on the supporting card that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Below is a detailed look at each of his selections, the conditions expected at Longchamp, and the reasons why these horses could make a splash. ### The Setting – ParisLongchamp Under the Arc Spotlight The Arc weekend in Qatar is one of the most celebrated fixtures on the international racing calendar.
The race itself is a true test of class and stamina, but the undercard is equally rich, featuring a string of Group 1 contests that often produce future stars. Recent weather patterns have been unusually dry, meaning the going is likely to be described as "good" to "good‑to‑firm," a surface that typically favours horses with a turn of foot rather than those that rely purely on stamina. ### 1.
Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines – 1:47 (Sunday) Blake points to the Abbaye as a race where the draw can be decisive. Historically, a low stall has given a clear advantage because the sprint is run over a short straight, and a front‑running position can be maintained more easily. For this reason, Blake backs **SHIRI**, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, who starts from stall four.
SHIRI is a daughter of the stallion Mehmas and has shown a marked upward trajectory this season. After stepping down to five furlongs, she captured a Listed victory at Deauville in impressive fashion and then finished a close second to Naana's Shadow in a Group 3 at the same distance. The combination of a favourable draw, proven sprinting ability, and recent form suggests she has a genuine chance of finishing strongly, if not winning outright. Blake believes the horse will "come forward again" and that the early position will allow her to dictate the pace.
### 2. Prix de l'Opera Longines – 3:50 (Sunday) The Opera is a key race for three‑year‑old fillies and mares, and this year’s field is stacked with high‑quality contenders. While the established favourite is **AVENTURE**, a Christophe Ferland‑trained star who has already demonstrated top‑class form, Blake sees an upset in the form of **MISS SCOTT**, trained by the renowned John and Thady Gosden partnership.
MISS SCOTT is a daughter of Night Of Thunder, a horse known for producing progeny that improve with each run. Though her campaign has been carefully managed, she has shown steady progression, culminating in a decisive win in the Snow Fairy Fillies' Stakes at the Curragh. The longer distance of the Opera (approximately 1 mile 3 furlongs) should suit her developing stamina, and Blake argues that if she can produce a career‑best effort, she could challenge the on‑form Aventure. While Aventure remains the benchmark, a well‑timed run from MISS SCOTT could see her "shake up" the race and potentially claim a surprise victory.
### 3. Qatar Prix de la Foret – 4:25 (Sunday) Often underestimated, the Foret is a demanding test because the official distance of seven furlongs is slightly shortened by a downhill bend, which adds a tactical element. With the ground expected to be firmer than usual, raw speed will be a critical factor.
Blake’s pick for this contest is **THESECRETADVERSARY**, trained by Fozzy Stack. THESECRETADVERSARY is a son of St Mark's Basilica and has been unbeaten in his three starts over trips under 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 setbacks do not diminish his proven ability over shorter distances. The combination of a firm surface, a slightly shorter effective trip, and a downhill run plays to his strengths, making him a logical choice for Blake.
### Why These Picks Matter Blake’s selections illustrate a broader strategy: identifying horses that combine recent form, favorable conditions, and tactical advantages such as draw position or distance suitability. In sprint races like the Abbaye, a low draw can be the difference between a clear run and being boxed in.
In middle‑distance contests like the Opera, a horse that has shown progressive improvement and can handle a step up in trip may outshine a more established rival on the day. Finally, in a race like the Foret, where the course layout and ground firmness amplify speed, a proven sprinter with a strong pedigree is likely to thrive. ### Additional Context for Viewers For those tuning in via Sky Sports Racing, the undercard offers a rich tapestry of storylines. The Abbaye often serves as a springboard for future sprint champions, while the Opera can highlight emerging three‑year‑old fillies destined for classic glory.
The Foret, meanwhile, is a key indicator of which milers and sprinters will excel in the autumn campaign across Europe. Fans should also note the importance of the video platform: Blake advises using the Chrome browser for the most reliable streaming experience, ensuring that viewers can follow the action without technical hiccups.
In summary, Kevin Blake’s three undercard recommendations—SHIRI in the Abbaye, MISS SCOTT in the Opera, and THESECRETADVERSARY in the Foret—are grounded in a careful assessment of form, draw, distance, and surface. While the main race will undoubtedly dominate headlines, these supporting contests promise excitement, potential upsets, and a glimpse of the next generation of elite racehorses.