So You Think to lead O'Brien's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe bid

RACING: SO YOU Think may be the Ballydoyle number one for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe but Aidan O’Brien could be triple-handed…

RACING:SO YOU Think may be the Ballydoyle number one for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe but Aidan O'Brien could be triple-handed in the Longchamp feature as he pursues another win in Europe's most prestigious all-aged race.

So You Think is disputing favouritism in some ante-post lists with Sarafina. The ex-Australian star has been beaten just once in five starts for O’Brien who reported yesterday: “So You Think, St Nicholas Abbey and Seville are possibles for the Arc. We could run the three of them.”

Misty For Me is a possible starter in the Prix de l’Opera but O’Brien revealed he could be without a runner in the Prix Jean Luc Lagadere as Power is being aimed at the Dewhurst Stakes. Maybe remains a possible for the Prix Marcel Boussac.

Today’s Roscommon feature is the Grade Three Kilbegnet Novice Chase which can fall to de Valira.

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The nine-runner field includes a French-trained mare in Cathodine Cayras whose form on testing conditions around Enghein and Auteuil will help her should the going turn very soft at Roscommon. Most of the home team will hope it doesn’t but de Valira could be the most versatile in terms of surface.

Paul Townend’s mount may not have fulfilled the promise of his early days but he followed up a promising fencing debut with a win at Listowel and that should have boosted his confidence.

Johnny Murtagh and Ger Lyons were in Group One- winning form at the weekend with Lightening Pearl’s Cheveley Park success and Kashmir Peak could be another juvenile winner for the team in this afternoon’s opener. Murtagh may also be on the mark with Kasanka in the fillies maiden.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column