O’Brien leaves seven in Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Paris (AFP) – Master Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has a star-studded seven-strong team to choose from in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

O’Brien, who trained the first three home in the European showcase 12 months ago, was responsible for almost a third of the 20 horses left on Monday in the five million euro Group 1 contest.

His contingent includes Irish Derby and St Leger winner Capri, Highland Reel, runner-up in 2016 to stablemate Found, and last year’s third, Order Of St George.

O’Brien has also left in Winter, his classy English 1,000 Guineas winner who is untested at this 2400m trip.

One noticeable name missing from Monday’s list was odds-on favourite Enable, who will be added to the field at Wednesday’s supplementary stage at a cost to her owner Prince Khalid Abdullah of 120,000 euros.

Enable, winner of the Oaks at Epsom, the Curragh and York and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, is the mount of Frankie Dettori who is aiming to capture a record fifth Arc.

Ulysses, who finished second to Enable in the King George, is back for another tilt at the John Gosden-trained superstar. 

Japan’s hopes of finally landing the race that has proved so frustratingly elusive over the past two decades rest with Satono Diamond.

Germany are doubly represented by Dshingis Secret and Iquitos.

France’s multiple champion trainer Andre Fabre is preparing a three-pronged assault on a prize he has won a record seven times.

The Arc is being run for the second year at Chantilly as its traditional home Longchamp undergoes a major renovation.