SIZING UP THE ARC

With 14 of the last 17 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winners coming from the Classic generation then it wasn't much of a surprise to see that trend being upheld once again, however, what did shock me was which 3 year-old went onto land the spoils.

Based on the betting Meandre, Masked Marvel, Reliable Man and Galikova were all the more likely of the 3 year-olds to side with, but is was the German-trained Danedream (20/1) that simply turned what looked one of the most competitive Arcs in recent times into a rout.

Bought for a measly €9,000 it was a real shot in the arm for all owners out there who think that you need to be a prince or the Aga Khan to see your colours land Europe's richest race.

Her 5 length win was the first time a German-trained horse had landed France's biggest race since 1975 and with connections already saying she'll be back to defend her title in 2012 then she'll be hoping to become the first horse to win back-to-back Arcs since 1977/78.

Part owener Teruya Yoshida, who bought a half share in the filly just before the race, convinced connections to supplement her at a cost of €100,000 and his racing advisor Patrick Barbe said afterwards -

"We've known Danedream was good for a long time and have kept a close eye on her. I am not surprised at all by her win. Apart from in one race she has been very impressive.

"This was a well deserved win for Mr Yoshida, who probably has the best broodmare band in the world. The Japan Cup is possible but I think we want to keep her in training at four - she could win the Arc again."

Away from the big race is was also a Longchamp day to remember for jockeys William Buick and Frankie Dettori, who each bagged a double, while the UK-based trainers ended up taking four of the eight races back across the Channel - the highlights being Dream Ahead, who beat the legendary Goldikova in a thrilling Prix de la Foret, and Roger Varian's Nahrain surviving a French stewards enquiry in the Prix de l'Opera (and we all know how unpredictable they can be) to give the Kremlin House trainer his first Group One success - well done Roger!

Jumpers Warming Up

With all three UK Sunday meetings last weekend being National Hunt cards then we can expect to start seeing the big yards of Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson sending out more runners in the coming weeks - but who will come out on top for the trainers title?

Paul Nicholls will be hoping to top the list again but with big names like Kauto Star and Denman not getting any younger and the Henderson team having the new kid on the block in Gold Cup winner Long Run - then we should be in for a fascinating battle over the next 7 months, I can't wait!

Looking at the betting the bookmakers seem to have varying opinions on the market, but if you shop around the best odds you can get at present are Nicholls (Evs) - Henderson (7/4), with the next best Donald McCain at around 20/1. Unlike the one-sided jockey's title betting, at least a trainer or stable can't get injured and you know that if you do have a punt in this market it literally will be the best man that wins - good luck to both yards!

Sizing Lucky On Reappearance

Trainer Henry De Bromhead and connections of the current Queen Mother Champion chaser Sizing Europe had probably seen a couple of magpies on the way to Gowran Park racecourse on Saturday after their 9 year-old had looked well held in second only for the improving Rubi Light to take a tumble at the final fence and hand the £21,000 prize to last season's Cheltenham hero.

He didn't jump well in the sticky ground and despite being rated 13lbs higher and only conceding 2lbs to Rubi Light it was clear that the champion chaser will come on bundles for the blow out. The race was also over 2m4f and, for me, he's a lot better on a stiff track over shorter, while it's worth noting that was his first ever visit to Gowran Park.

De Bromhead said "You have to say it was a hollow victory and a fortuitous one". "You have to feel for the connections of Rubi Light. Our horse never jumped the way he can. Andrew Lynch said he kept slipping - there's no plan until we see how he is".

He'll be 10 years-old come March, and with only Moscow Flyer winning at a double-figure age in the last 12 renewals then he'll have this trend to overcome, but let's not forgot the 2009 Arkle winner is two-from-two over fences at Prestbury Park and as we all know course form there is a huge plus - the bookmakers reacted by pushing his QM Champion Chase price out to 5/1 (from 4/1).

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