Ahead of the Arc weekend in Paris, Hollie Doyle took a moment to share her thoughts in an exclusive blog post, highlighting her confidence in Maltese Cross and the broader card of races that will unfold at Longchamp. She opened by confirming her role on the Maltese Cross team for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, a 3m05s contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Doyle explained that the colt offers a genuine chance for her husband, jockey Tom Marquand, trainer William Haggas, and owner George Waud to claim one of the most prestigious victories in the sport.
Doyle praised the young horse’s achievements this season, describing them as "spectacular" and insisting that the best of Maltese Cross has yet to be seen. She cited his performances in the Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltigeur at York as merely the "tip of the iceberg" when it comes to his true ability. Although the colt was a little rough‑shod in those two outings, Doyle noted that his temperament—remarkably mature for a three‑year‑old—should serve him well in the chaotic, high‑pressure environment of the Arc, especially given his relatively wide draw from stall 11.
She acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by last year’s winner Daryz, who benefits from a more favorable draw and is expertly prepared by trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Still, Doyle argued that Maltese Cross, whose sole defeat this year came on softer ground in the Derby, remains a serious threat to every rival in the field. Turning her attention to other British contenders, Doyle expressed enthusiasm for Kalpana, the Andrew Balding‑trained mare who has already proven she can hang with the boys by winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and delivering a strong run in the Yorkshire Oaks.
She also mentioned Green Empress, who is set to contest the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac – Critérium des Pouliches on Sunday, noting that the filly may be vulnerable after a lackluster showing in the Moyglare Stakes where she was outclassed by the prolific Sun Goddess. Doyle highlighted the potential for Godolphin’s Miss Miniver to exploit any weaknesses in Green Empress, while also pointing out that Allela—currently a market rival—could be a dark horse. Allela’s trainer Roger Varian has been quick to back the daughter of Wootton Bassett after a fourth‑place finish in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket, suggesting that a Group 1 win could be within reach.
She then shifted focus to the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère Longines, where Joseph O'Brien’s son of Blue Point, Folsom Blues, is looking to extend an excellent season. After finishing a close second to Sun Goddess in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, the colt rebounded with a dominant victory in the Group 1 National Stakes.
Despite an unfavourable draw, Doyle believes his class will compensate, while also noting that James Doyle’s Imperial Strike appears overpriced given its recent Group 3 form, especially when compared to the unbeaten Avec Toi. A potential highlight for racing fans, according to Doyle, would be Naana’s Shadow capturing the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines for trainer Katie Scott. Scott, who manages a modest stable, has coaxed a brilliant performance from the grey filly, who won the Group 3 trial over the same distance last month. Although the filly draws stall 13 on a track where draw position matters, Doyle expects Francis‑Henri Graffard’s SHIRI to challenge that form, while also keeping an eye on Harry Eustace’s Time For Sandals, which could be competitive if it returns to peak condition.
She also mentioned Aventure, a Group 1 winner in the Prix Romanet, as a short‑priced option in the Prix de l'Opéra Longines. Christophe Ferland’s mare beat a sub‑par Diamond Necklace in that race, leaving some doubts about the quality of that victory. In contrast, Aidan O'Brien’s filly Precise—who has not led since her Coronation Stakes win at Royal Ascot but previously ran well against top company—offers a strong alternative to the likely favourite. Pink Panthera, noted for consistency, is also expected to place.
Looking further afield, Doyle believes Fozzy Stack could deliver an Irish triumph in the Qatar Prix de la Forêt with Thesecretadversary, a horse that should settle into a comfortable rhythm on a track that suits its strengths. The move back in distance appears ideal for the Jersey Stakes winner, who offers value against favourite Samangan, whose recent Deauville finish was a crowded bunch finish. She also cited Aidan O'Brien’s True Love, a filly who finished fifth in the same race and underperformed in the Matron last month, as another contender who could benefit from a shorter trip and still be competitive.
Turning to the Ascot weekend, Doyle highlighted that William Haggas, the trainer of Maltese Cross, also has a pivotal role in two feature races at Ascot on Saturday, including the Group 3 Bet MGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes. Veteran Al Aasy is the class horse in that contest and the one to beat, having already secured a higher‑level win this year and partnering well with jockey Danny Tudhope. Stablemate Tenability, a tough competitor who won the Listed August Stakes at Windsor, could also pose a threat if he steps up. She noted that Division narrowly missed the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, a form that sets a high bar for the John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes.
William Haggas’s Wathnan Racing colt may be compromised by a slow start, but if the race unfolds to suit him, it could represent a valuable Group 3 victory. Potential spoilers include Godolphin’s Hidden Force, which has undergone wind‑surgery since finishing as a beaten favourite in the Craven Stakes, and Marco Botti’s Prince Of India, who must perform well after a Listed win at Newmarket. Doyle concluded by noting that she spoke with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft and encouraged fans to watch every race from the Autumn Racing Weekend at Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday and Saturday.