Wide draw a ‘downer’ for Estrange’s Arc hopes

Connections of Estrange admit her wide draw in stall 18 for Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is “a bit of a blow” for her ParisLongchamp hopes.

Trainer David O’Meara and owners Cheveley Park Stud only gave the four-year-old filly the go ahead for the race earlier this week when it looked like she would get her preferred soft ground, but being drawn widest of all in the 18-runner field is viewed as an unfavourable position.

“That was a bit of a blow. I suppose somebody had to be 18 but it’s frustrating,” said Cheveley Park’s managing director Chris Richardson.

“She’s in great form, the rain forecast should arrive and while the draw is a little bit of a downer obviously, she’s in great form and we’ll have to wait and see.

“We had a bit of a chat this morning about the draw. I think Sea Of Class was drawn quite high (15) and finished second but I haven’t had time to study how high draws have done overall. Frankie Dettori was quite high when he won on Golden Horn (14).

“From that draw you could see her running a great race and finishing seventh or eighth. One has to be realistic I’m afraid, the cards haven’t fallen for her this time but if you’re not in, you can’t win.”

Reflecting on her second place behind Minnie Hauk in the Yorkshire Oaks on ground faster than ideal, Richardson told Sky Sports Racing: “What was encouraging at York was that she was the last off the bridle and for a moment I thought she looked full of running, but when he (Danny Tudhope) asked her her head went up a little bit as if she was saying she’d done enough on that ground – but we were thrilled as she was Group One placed for her breeding.”

Minnie Hauk fared much better in the draw and will break from stall one as she bids to provide Aidan O’Brien with a third Arc win.

Her stablemate and last year’s third Los Angeles did not enjoy as much luck and will have to defy stall 14 to claim victory while Aventure, who is challenging Minnie Hauk for favouritism, was handed stall 12.

Hopes of a first ever Japanese-trained winner were dealt a blow, with Japanese Derby winner Croix Du Nord and the Prix Foy victor Byzantine Dream drawn in stalls 17 and 15 respectively. Their compatriot Alohi Alii appears better placed in four, however.

Andre Fabre’s pair of Sosie and Cualificar fared better with stalls three and eight respectively, while Francis-Henri Graffard’s Daryz (two), Quisisana (seven) and Gezora (13) could have done worse.

Daryz is owned by the Aga Khan Studs and racing manager Nemone Routh said: “We’re quite happy with the draw as traditionally we have not fared very well but this time we are very happy with the number two.

“We’re next to Minnie Hauk and Sosie so no complaints. He’s very well and it’s just a case of seeing if he is mature enough and good enough on the day to be competitive.

“His parents, Sea The Stars and Daryakana, both won on the same weekend – Sea The Stars in the Arc and Daryakana in the Royallieu in 2009.

“He looks the part, he’s very much stamped by his sire and he has improved all year, but this is very much a big step.”

Andrew Balding’s Kalpana (10), Marco Botti’s Giavellotto (five), whose participation has been in doubt, the John Murphy-trained White Birch (nine) and Jessica Harrington’s Hotazhell (11) also take their chances, along with Leffard (six).

As a result of the draw, Minnie Hauk strengthened her position at the head of the betting with Coral, being cut from 4-1 to 100-30 while Aventure was eased to 9-2 from 4-1.

Paddy Power eased Croix Du Nord out to 10-1 from 8s after his wide draw.