SOU EXPECTS ARC SUCCESS
CHRISTOPHE SOUMILLON is not lacking confidence about celebrating a third victory in next Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe when he partners red-hot favourite Tarnawa at ParisLongchamp.
“I believe I can win the race again,” said Soumillon after partnering Perfect Power to victory in yesterday’s Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.
“She’s a great mare,” he added. “I was really lucky to ride her twice last year at Longchamp and to win on both occasions.
“I was really pleased with her first run this season when she won. Unfortunately, she then got beaten by the short distance of the race and the winner hanging in to her on her last run at Leopardstown.
“Her trainer Dermot Weld is one of the greatest trainers in the world and I’m sure he’s focused on the Arc for her 100 per cent this season.”
Soumillon, without doubt one of best in the world for the ■ by big occasion, partnered Dalakhani (2003) and Zarkava (2008) to victory in Europe’s iconic headliner for the Aga Khan.
He added: “I will be really proud if I can bring back the trophy again for his Highness.”
Regarding the opposition, France’s 10-times champion jockey said: “Charlie Appleby’s horses, Adayar and Hurricane Lane, look the hardest ones to beat on paper.
“Also, you cannot rule out the Japanese horses, Chrono Genesis and Deep Bond as they can often surprise.”
Aidan O’Brien confirmed that Frankie Dettori will partner Love in the Arc with Ryan Moore taking the ride on Snowfall, while Yutaka Take is booked for Broome.
“Obviously, I thought Ryan will ride Snowfall, but this is not set in stone,” said O’Brien, successful in yesterday’s Cheveley Park with Tenebrism, now 8-1 second favourite for next year’s 1,000 Guineas. “That can change as I’ve not chatted with Ryan.”
Snowfall, a clear favourite for the Arc before her defeat at Longchamp earlier month, gets a vote of confidence from O’Brien as she has recovered from the race well.