Arc de Triomphe [page 2]

Add to the form lines the likely heavy going at Longchamp on Arc day and you have to make Sagamix a rare banker in Europe’s most prestigious race.

The only fly that could possibly be hovering over the ointment would be Sea Wave, originally Godolphin’s Doncaster St Leger choice, but who was switched to the Niel, leaving Nedawi to win the Leger for them.

Sea Wave swerved sharply left out of the Longchamp stalls and unseated Frankie Dettori: the jockey who had stormed to victory on Swain in Ireland the previous day was brought down to earth with a bump, literally.

Sea Wave

Sea Wave

Sea Wave went back to school afterwards to learn what starting stalls are all about with Dettori wondering whether he wouldn’t rather be on Daylami in the Arc, though he knows that Daylami has to make up two lengths on High-Rise on King George form.

Sea Wave’s antics were another example of the green, late developer, following High-Rise, Royal Anthem and Nedawi this season; Nedawi had almost swerved away the Leger a day earlier, remember. Sea Wave looked something very special indeed when he cantered four lengths clear of Rabah at the end of the Great Voltigeur - St Leger trial - at York, Rabah having dead-heated with Nedawi in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.

Sea Wave won the Great Voltigeur in course record time. There’s just one snag - that race was run on good to firm ground.

So, unless I can for once wear my patent leather instead of my heavy brogues at Longchamp, Sagamix wins the races and Andre Fabre lands his fifth Arc.

TERRY CLARK:

A former Fleet Street racing editor for many years, Terry now works as a freelance.

He has also been involved in racing promotions, and for a long time was closely associated with the Grand National, which his paper sponsored.

Terry, who has helped to organise charity race days on the flat (Ascot) and over jumps (Wincanton), has just been commissioned to write a book about betting. He was the first to introduce ante-post and morning odds comparison in English newspapers, his first column recommending a 66-1 winner.

You can reach Terry at:

'Sandhills', 5 Bayford Hill, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9LW Tel: 01963 31794

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