ONESTO CAN WIN THE ARC FOR FRANCE

AN open but intriguing Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe takes place in Paris Longchamp today (3.05) and the illustrious prize can stay in France.

ONESTO was beaten half a length by Arc favourite Luxembourg in the Irish Champion Stakes but this extra distance and soft-ground conditions on home soil could be enough for Fabrice Chappet’s three-year-old colt to reverse the form.

Before a narrow defeat at Leopardstown, Onesto won the Grand Prix de Paris over Arc course and distance. The form has a strong look to it, with the runner-up winning the Group Two Prix Niel and beaten favourite Eldar Eldarov the eventual winner of the St Leger.

Onesto caught the eye when fifth from an impossible wide draw in the French Derby and stall 11 today is much kinder for a horse that ticks all the boxes for this assignment. Odds of 11-1 (Coral) are fair and he certainly shouldn’t be four times the price of favourite Luxembourg, who is unproven over the trip and the very soft ground is a slight concern.

Second favourite Alpinista should relish conditions but this demands a career-best effort and history is firmly against five-year-old mares in the race. She did beat defending champion Torquator Tasso, who will be played late again to retain his crown. The German raider has his conditions but hasn’t shown much this season. Titleholder leads a decent Japanese trio but the soft ground is a big worry for him, while this increase in trip for Eclipse winner Vadeni is a major doubt.