The highly anticipated Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is facing some changes as the talented horse Fantastic Moon has been withdrawn due to the soft ground caused by rain. Trainer Sarah Steinberg announced that the next stop for Fantastic Moon will be the Breeders’ Cup Turf. As punters eagerly prepare for the races, the focus shifts to the Prix de l’Abbaye where overseas-trained runners are expected to dominate. The field includes top contenders such as Bradsell, Believing, and Kerdos, who have shown impressive form in recent races.
In the Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere, the race ended in a thrilling photo finish with longshot Vertical Blue claiming victory at 100-1 odds. Henri Matisse, the favorite, faced stiff competition from Field of Gold and Misunderstood in the juvenile colts’ Group One race. The Prix Marcel Boussac saw Zarigana emerge as the favorite, despite facing tough competition from Bedtime Story and Simmering.
As the betting markets remain unpredictable, with outsiders gaining support, the overall sentiment is that this year’s Arc de Triomphe is wide open. With a strong field of contenders, including late market movers like Continuous and Fantastic Moon, the race promises to be a thrilling and competitive event. Fans and punters alike are eager to see who will emerge victorious in the world’s greatest Flat race, with the action set to unfold at Longchamp later in the day.
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