Wednesday, September 30, 2009

O'Brien withdraws pair from Arc

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: Longchamp, Sunday 4 October, 1515 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Two/BBC Sport website (UK users only) 1400-1550, commentary on BBC Radio 5 live Other Longchamp coverage: 1430-1630 Saturday, 1240-1630 Sunday BBC website and Red Button Twitter: Follow updates from BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght

Mick Kinane and Sea of Stars

Replay - Sea The Stars wins Derby

The field for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp has been reduced to 19 at the latest forfeit stage.

Derby and 2,000 Guineas winner Sea The Stars remains, but Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien has withdrawn Hail Caesar and four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats.

Also taken out were Spanish Moon, Board Meeting and Grand Couturier.

Stacelita, Cavalryman and dual Oaks winner Sariska may all be supplemented to the field, which is limited to 20 runners, at a cost of 100,000 euros.

The final declaration stage for Europe's top Flat race is on Thursday.

606: DEBATE
Cyclonic 111

Victory for favourite Sea The Stars, the first horse to win the Derby and 2,000 Guineas since Nashwan 20 years ago, could see him regarded as one of the great champions, following the likes of Mill Reef and Dancing Brave.

Jockey Mick Kinane, who has won the Arc twice before on Carroll House and Montjeu, believes the son of Cape Cross is as strong now as at any stage of the season.

"He came out of his race at Leopardstown really well and he's actually put weight on and got bigger and stronger," said the 50-year-old.

He has won five Group One races in 2009, beating Fame And Glory in both the Derby and the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown earlier this month.

Sea The Stars could start as odds-on favourite but Fame and Glory's jockey Johnny Murtagh believes his Irish Derby winner can spring a surprise.

"If the ground came up soft it would definitely be a disadvantage to Sea The Stars," said Murtagh.

"My horse is improving since Leopardstown, he's in great form.

"Sea The Stars seems to be able to overcome everything that's thrown at him this year but, again, the Arc is a big test and it might not be as clear cut as everyone thinks."

Youmzain, who represents former footballer Mick Channon, has been runner-up in the last two runnings of the Arc.

French jockey Olivier Peslier, who rides Vision D'Etat, is bidding to win his fourth Arc.

"Vision D'Etat is very well and is working well so he has a chance, but the horse to beat is Sea The Stars," he said.

ะพ 5:54 AM

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