GLOBEFORM ARC BIOS
SEPTEMBER 27, 2010
Brisnet.com will be offering the Globeform Ratings & Analysis for this year’s
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) beginning September 30. The report will
include the popular Globeform ratings for the Arc and supporting stakes, as well
as in-depth analysis of each race at Longchamp on October 3.
Below is a sampling of the Globeform Analysis.
Prix de l’Arc contenders
by Geir Stabell
PLANTEUR (Danehill Dancer) finished well (though failed to keep a straight line) when taking
second to Behkabad (Cape Cross [Ire]) in the Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-G1), and there were good reasons
to come away from that meeting feeling that he would be able to reverse the
form. While Behkabad enjoyed a dream trip, Planteur was forced wide on the turn,
when making his challenge from well off the pace. He seemed to be catching
Behkabad for a few strides, but ducked left, then right, and ran erratically
inside last furlong. Planteur definitely looked like a horse open to plenty of
improvement on this occasion.
He stepped up again when they clashed for a
third time in the Prix Niel (Fr-G2) over the same course and distance in September.
Behkabad beat him again though, this time by a head after quickening past him
close home. Planteur was ridden prominently, shadowing his pacemaker, but
Behkabad had him in his sights all along. The two colts were four lengths clear of
Italian listed winner Kidnapping (Intikhab) in third, with the non-staying Victoire Pisa
(Neo Universe) another four lengths further adrift in fourth.
This is solid form,
and Behkabad’s time (2.30,8) was by far the best of the three Arc trials. With
plenty of scope for improvement, Planteur could well turn the tables on Behkabad
in the Arc, but he will need to commit early in the straight. Previously
considered a horse that might not stay the Arc trip, Planteur is now shaping up
like a stamina runner and his best chance of beating Behkabad seems to be to
kick early and try to draw the sting out of his arch-rival. How Planteur is
ridden could have a big impact on the shape of the race.
YOUMZAIN (Sinndar) has finished third in the Arc three times, a remarkable feat, and
— while he is not getting any younger these days — one can argue that this year’s
renewal offers him the best opportunity yet of finally land the big prize.
Youmzain was runner-up to Sea the Stars 12 months ago, having chased the
brilliant Zarakava and Dylan Thomas (Ire) home in earlier years.
Mick Channon’s
flagship was beaten just a nose when finishing fast for second to Plumania
(Anabaa) (who
had been handed soft lead) in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1) in June. That
was a performance indicating that Youmzain has retained all his ability, though
it is also worth remembering that he flopped badly after getting worked up in
the preliminaries to the Coronation Cup (Eng-G1) at Epsom in June.
Youmzain has always
performed right up to his best at Longchamp, however, and if he does so again on
October 3, well then Youmzain is in with a big chance of finally emulating his
sire Sinndar — who won the Arc 10 years ago.