Sunday 5th October
TARFASHA
Longchamp 2.45 WIN
Hamdan Al Maktoum’s classy filly found only brilliant Arc contender Taghrooda too good for her in the Epsom Oaks in June. A disappointing follow-up effort in the Irish version confirmed that the 12f trip is not ideal, so trainer Dermot Weld sensibly gave her a midsummer break before bringing her back for the Group Two Blandford Stakes over 10f at The Curragh last month. She was a stylish winner, unleashing her trademark turn of foot, and is now in prime condition for today’s return to Group One company. It is a typically competitive Prix de l’Opera but, given luck in running from her draw on the fence, I will be surprised if she is beaten.
PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE (3.30)
1 ECTOT
2 RULER OF THE WORLD
3 TAGHROODA