Copyright © 2002/2005 - all right reserved

British Contenders in the Arc - 2003

THE BRITISH CONTENDERS

Mubtaker
Arrived in France “relatively fresh”. Has impressed at lower level. His win at Kempton earlier this year has shown is considerable potential and has impressed more than one. He has always finished in the first three and faces a tough challenge in keeping that record intact. His trainer would have preferred faster ground but remains confident in his potential to make the podium.

Black Sam Bellamy
Does he have the potential to stay all the way and win? His present record does not inspire such confidence that will put him first at the post. Enjoys soft ground and is likely to come from the back as pacemakers fade.

High Chaparral
Defeated at Longchamp last year, he comes back for a second bite of the cherry. Top-class contender, he ed after injury to his shoulder to win the Irish Champion Stakes a month ago. Runner-up in that race, Falbrav went on to win the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in impressive style. The distance of 1m4f suits him well. Although he stands a very good chance of taking his revenge this year, he will have to fight all the way to win against the French contender Dalakhani.

Bollin Eric
The four-year-old, who has won just one of his seven starts this season, was a surprise entry for the Group One race, run over 1m 4f. Last year's St Leger winner has run creditably all year but the missing ingredient has been soft ground, which he will get at Longchamp. Has shown great consistency and has won at York with a lot of authority. Although he inspires confidence as a reliable performer, he lacks the class at this level to finish first in Arc.

Kris Kin
Since his Derby win, Kris Kin has also finished third to Alamshar in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot but Fallon felt there were excuses for that run. Described as “one of the laziest horses I have ever trained” by trainer Stoute, his connections see him as a potential winner, he does not seem to be the reliable sort and will not have much say at Longchamp.

(Yahia Nazroo)