Kieren Fallon makes his debut in the Prix de l'Arc Triomphe convinced that it is one of the strongest fields assembled for the Longchamp showpiece for many years. "I think it's a serious Arc this year - one of the strongest for a long time," said Fallon who travels to Paris to partner the German horse Borgia on Sunday.
"I've never ridden in the race before but I've watched it many times on television. Everything about the race is exciting, the crowd, the atmosphere, the prizemoney."
Fallon, a certainty to be British champion jockey barring injury or suspension, does not rate his chances of beating the cream of Europe's middle-distance horses.
Borgia, supplemented for the race yesterday for 400,000 francs (£46,000), is attempting to become the first German winner of the race since Star Appeal in 1975. Fallon said: "It looks like the ground is going to be against her. She did win last time on fast ground but she would have a big chance on soft ground. It's a pity because she's a lovely filly and has a real turn of foot."
France's main hope Peintre Celebre hardened further in the betting yesterday and is now the 5 to 2 favourite with Ladbrokes.
His jockey Olivier Peslier said: "He is going well in gallops and went very well when I rode him on Tuesday. He is in very good condition and must have a big chance."
The final forfeits were made for the Arc yesterday and, as expected, Desert King, Silver Patriarch and Tulipa were taken out, leaving a probable 17-runner lineup. The all-important draw for the race will be made today. An official check of the state of the ground yesterday produced a penetrometer reading of 3.3 which is equivalent to good to soft.
But clerk of the course Gerard Grandchamp said: "Good ground is expected for Saturday, and it will be slightly faster on Sunday."
Latest betting:
Coral: 3-1 Peintre Celebre, 7-2 Pilsudski, 4-1 Helissio, 8-1 Swain, 10-1 My Emma, 16-1 Borgia, 20-1 Oscar Schindler, Busy Flight, Queen Maud, 33-1 bar
Ladbrokes: 5-2 Peintre Celebre, 100-30 Pilsudski, 7-2 Helissio, 9-1 Swain, 10-1 My Emma, 14-1 Oscar Schindler, 16-1 Borgia, 20-1 Busy Flight, 25-1 Queen Maude, 33-1 bar.
William Hill: 3-1 Peintre Celebre, 7-2 Helissio, Pilsudski, 10-1 My Emma, 12-1 Swain, 14-1 Borgia, 16-1 Busy Flight, Oscar Schindler, 25-1 Posidonas and Queen Maud, 33-1 bar.
Pasternak is currently favourite for tomorrow's Cambridgeshire at Newmarket with most firms but trainer Mark Prescott would prefer easier ground for his challenger and is expected to make a late decision over the fouryear-old's participation.
Newmarket's clerk of the course Nick Lees reported good ground on the straight course with "very little" rain forecast.
Supporters of Gulf Shaadi, the 14 to 1 second favourite in some lists, are still sweating over his participation.
A spokeswoman for trainer Eric Alston said: "He's improving but a final decision will be made tomorrow."
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