Our senior form analyst peers into the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Europe’s most illustrious flat race, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing this Sunday. He shares his top picks and the reasoning behind each selection, offering a comprehensive preview of what promises to be a clash of nations, generations, and ambitions. The Arc has always been more than a single contest; it is a decisive showdown that crowns the continent’s best middle‑distance horse. When a defending champion returns to the field, the stakes rise even further, adding an extra layer of motivation for both the winner and the challengers.
Below is an in‑depth look at the contenders slated for the 2026 edition, the race widely acknowledged as the pinnacle of flat racing worldwide. ### Daryz – The Star‑Studded Favorite "If you want to be a star, you have to look like one," the adage goes, and Daryz has embodied that sentiment all season.
After a puzzling performance at Royal Ascot, the horse’s connections were relieved by a clean blood test, allowing him to refocus on the Prix Foy, a key trial that often signals a second‑attempt at the Arc. Historically, only eight horses have attempted the Arc twice, and just one – the legendary mare Allez France – combined an Arc win with a nine‑furlong Prix d'Ispahan victory.
Daryz, however, matched the French great’s speed by clocking a blistering 42 mph and covering a furlong in 10.68 seconds during his recent run, underscoring his rare blend of stamina and turn‑of‑pace. Such figures illustrate why rivals will find it difficult to match his combination of power and elegance on his home turf. ### Roger Varian’s Contenders – Experience Meets Potential Varian has previously guided Arc runners: Kingston Hill finished fourth in 2014, while Postponed was the favourite that placed fifth in 2016. This year his stable presents a different profile.
Though Saddadd lacks the high‑profile accolades of Varian’s earlier horses, he has been steadily climbing the ranks, moving from a London Gold Cup win to a Group One triumph in the Grosser Preis von Baden – a race that has served as a springboard for previous Arc winners such as Marienbard, Danedream, and Torquator Tasso. Saddadd’s recent performances in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Coral‑Eclipse (both Group One mile‑and‑a‑quarter events) have shown a turn of foot that makes him a credible long‑shot, especially given his ability to accelerate in the final stages.
### French Hope – Arrow Eagle The 2025 Polish Derby victor has continued to improve in France, most recently finishing a close second to Al Aasy and Arrow Eagle in the Group Two Grand Prix de Deauville. While he has yet to prove himself over the Arc’s 2400‑metre distance, his recent form suggests he is closing the gap. Arrow Eagle’s pedigree and recent performances indicate he could be a dark horse if the pace unfolds to his advantage.
### Japanese Challenge – Meisho Tabaru Japan’s representation has been quiet this year, but Meisho Tabaru stands out as a genuine Group One performer, having secured back‑to‑back victories in the Takarazuka Kinen, where he defeated Croix Du Nord – a 14‑1 outsider in last year’s Arc who had edged Daryz in a trial. Tabaru also beat Danon Decile, a former Sheema Classic winner, showcasing his ability to handle top‑class fields. His front‑running style, proven in his sole overseas start (a fifth‑place finish behind fellow Japanese runner Soul Rush in the 2025 Dubai Turf), suggests he could dictate a strong early tempo at Longchamp, though historically Japanese horses have struggled to adapt to the unique demands of the Arc. ### French Veteran – Kalpana Two Arcs and fourteen French Classics decorate the résumé of trainer Jean‑Claude Rouget, for whom Arrow Eagle will be his final runner.
Kalpana, a five‑year‑old mare, has evolved dramatically since her disappointing run in last year’s Arc. With a current rating of 125 – higher than recent winners Found, Alpinista, and Bluestocking – she has demonstrated her class by winning the Prix de l'Opéra and the Prix Vermeille in record time.
Her recent triumph in the Prix Vermeille, achieved on her first attempt at the distance, shows she can combine stamina with a devastating turn of foot, making her a serious contender despite the step up in competition. ### Emerging Three‑Year‑Old – Maltese Cross Perhaps the most intriguing storyline is the rise of Maltese Cross, a three‑year‑old colt who has been meticulously refined over 393 days and seven preparatory races.
His recent victory in the Grand Prix de Paris, where he recorded a speed of 43.1 mph – faster than Daryz’s best – highlights his raw speed and stamina. The colt’s rating now sits above both Daryz and Ace Impact, positioning him as the leading three‑year‑old prospect for the Arc.
If he can replicate his French‑season form on the soft ground of Longchamp, he may well become the first three‑year‑old to dominate the race in recent memory. ### Filly Power – Thundering On and Diamond Necklace The filly division cannot be ignored. Thundering On, rated 117, impressed with a powerful finish in the Irish Oaks and a blistering two‑furlong closing run in the Blandford Stakes at the Curragh.
Diamond Necklace, unbeaten in two Classics and a recent victor over a Prix Vermeille winner, also commands attention, despite a setback in the Prix Jean Romanet. Both fillies possess the blend of speed, stamina, and tactical versatility that has propelled past Arc‑winning mares such as Zarkava, Danedream, Treve, and Enable. ### Market Outlook While Daryz remains the headline favorite, the market appears to undervalue Maltese Cross, whose blend of overt stamina and hidden speed could prove decisive. The field is deep, with seasoned veterans, emerging three‑year‑olds, and proven Group One performers from across Europe and Japan.
The race will likely hinge on the pace scenario: a fast early tempo could favor front‑runners like Meisho Tabaru and Kalpana, whereas a more measured pace may allow the stamina‑rich Maltese Cross or the seasoned Daryz to unleash their finishing bursts. In summary, the 2026 Arc promises a thrilling mix of experience, youthful vigor, and international flair. Whether the seasoned champion Daryz can defend his title, the rising star Maltese Cross can seize the moment, or a resilient filly can upset the odds, the race will undoubtedly add another memorable chapter to the storied history of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Catch every moment of the Arc weekend live on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 512) on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October.