Take Zarkava in the Prix de l'Arc, but watch out for Vision dEtat | Horse Racing

By RyanBellwetherPatrickO'PendragonCormackMcAllagon
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I have such fond memories of Arc Sundays. This year, I won't be going along but the first Sunday of October represents the end of summer and the start of winter for me, an ex-Parisian ex-pat who goes back to 98 and Sagamix. I remember Sakhee, Dalakhani, Bago, Hurricane Run and what on earth happened last year with Dylan Thomas? I still haven't understood that one - but some day the system has to break!

This Sunday's Arc promises to be one of the best in modern times, with the usual intriguing mix of 3-year olds - and the added bonus of a huge prize fund.

The British challenger, Duke of Marmalade, has been storming up the betting lists in the UK, to such an extent that he may even challenge Zarkava for favouritism come the off. However, I must underline the fact that this race runs true to form 8 times out of 10. Last year, in my opinion, was a blip caused by the fact that the French challenger, Zambezi Sun, just wasn't good enough.

- The winner is a 3-year old - The winner is a colt - The winner has also won the Prix Niel the previous month at Longchamp - The winner is unbeaten (or almost unbeaten) throughout the season - The winner is trained in France

8 times out of 10 this will happen - and it worked for me 8 times out of 10. Remember Rail Link's brilliant victory ahead of Youmzain? He was a 3-year old French-trained colt. Hurricane Run the previous year? Ditto. Bago several years beforehand? Ditto.

This year, we have one prime contender who fits all of these criteria - Vision d'Etat - and he is worth 8/1 with some bookmakers. Now that's an amazing price for a race that runs so true to form you can call it 80% of the time.

However, most years, you won't see a filly like Zarkava. Zarkava is unbeaten and won the Prix Vermeille recently at Longchamp with some style. This is one hell of a filly, and all eyes will be on her as she is bound to start off favourite unless the Brits really do pile their money on the Duke this Sunday.

For me, the race comes down to the two French horses I mentioned - and the challenges will come specifically from Soldier of Fortune, who looks to me to be a great Arc 4-year old and Youmzain, who has twice come second but now looks a little too old for this pacey race.

My tip? Go for Vision d'Etat each way - and get 8/1 if you can, he will no doubt come in as the race approaches - and Zarkava to win it. And this year, I won't be in attendance, for the first time since 1998 - so if you are going - enjoy it. I know I would.

About the Author

The author writes for the Free Bet Bookmaker, where you can obtain a free bet on the Prix de l'Arc from many bookies.

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