13.40 1m 1f Maiden
While I wouldn’t be a great judge of two-year-olds or their form, Micro Manage is a fine big horse to look at and Rachael Blackmore takes the mount. I’m not sure how he’ll run but I wouldn’t mind riding him in a hurdle race in 12 months time.
15.15 2m Grade 3 Horse & Jockey Hurdle
Wicklow Brave has been in great order for the Grimes Hurdle and won a few Flat races during the summer. Those wins have done his confidence the world of good and we’re very happy with him. He’s in great order and should take the beating but it’s not as easy a task as he’s faced recently with the likes of Arctic Fire and Tombstone in there.
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3.45 2m Joe Mac Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)
Dorrells Pierji won over 2m 4f in Listowel and drops down in trip while Quick Grabim won over this distance at the Kerry track also while Easy Game was disappointing at Listowel. If I was riding I’d have a real head-scratcher to decide on which one to pick, but I’d probably go with Quick Grabim’ on balance who has won over the trip and looks to be improving, even if Dorrells Pierji was very good.
However, Joseph O’Brien’s Triplicate looked very good at Listowel and maybe they’ll all have to improve to get past him.
16.45 Grade 3 Like a Butterfly Novice S’chase
Joseph O’Brien probably holds the aces with Le Richebourg in the novice chase. He was fifth to Sharjah in the Galway Hurdle before winning a Beginners Chase at Listowel very impressively.
Our Robin Des Foret and Camelia De Cotte were both good winners in Listowel but may have to improve to catch him.
17.15 2m Flat Race
Royal Rendezvous was disappointing at Galway, but won at Downpatrick and Tipperary’s flat track will really suit him.
He should take all the beating and looks the best of our runners.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Longchamp, Sunday 3pm
The richest Flat race in Europe looks to be between the fillies again with Enable and Sea of Class the two stand-out runners.
I’m a huge fan of Enable and thought she was brilliant last year when winning this. Treve went back-to-back a couple of years ago (2013/14) and John Gosden’s filly can do the same on Sunday. Fillies have really dominated this contest winning six of the last seven runnings.
Enable has an ideal draw in stall 6 and should have too many gears for the like of St Leger winner Kew Gardens.
James Doyle will have to take his time on the Irish Oaks winner Sea of Class from her draw in box 15. But Frankie Dettori will be able to put Enable wherever he wants and she looks a much more straightforward ride. She looks the one to beat.