No Postponing Varian Joy In The Arc

Since the beginning of this BoyleSports column I have always attempted, where possible, to have at least one attractively priced selection in the mix.

But for Arc day at Chantilly there looks to be three favourites that are very hard to oppose – even on such a competitive stage.

No Postponing This Year
He has the form in the book, a plum draw, a no-nonsense jockey on his back and the underfoot conditions are rarely an inconvenience for him. The negatives are in short supply when it comes to Postponed.

Priced up at 7/4, it is a short price for Europe’s premier race but Postponed, who was a leading contender last year before his transfer from Luca Cumani to Roger Varian, has done little wrong and is just one of the most admirable horses in the game.

Epsom Derby hero Harzand will run a big race. The more rain the better for Dermot Weld’s stable star but good ground is not a major negative and a line can be put through his Leopardstown run as it was clear from early on in that race that something was amiss.

Harzand has been on the drift over the weekend and at 7/1 he may just represent a bit of each value for punters not willing to get involved at 7/4.

Angel of Chantilly
From a 7/4 shot to a 6/4 shot – Mecca’s Angel is next up but as the best sprinter in Europe she should be able to account for her rivals in the Prix de l‘Abbaye.

A couple of times this season Mecca’s Angel has proven that soft ground isn’t a necessity for her and in beating Brando at the Curragh and then comprehensively beating Limato to win a second Nunthorpe she has proven that she is back to form after clearly not being herself earlier in the season.

Mecca’s Angel gets a 4lb allowance from most of her rivals and should be able to continue her wonderful career with another major Group 1 triumph.

Placing on Song
The shortest price of the trio tomorrow is also the first to run.

So Mi Dar runs in the Prix de l’Opera and after a frustrating campaign, which could have robbed us of one of the stars of the season…

…So Mi Dar maintained her unbeaten record when returning at Yarmouth last month and is now facing the biggest step up of her career.

Had the season not have been interrupted for the three-year-old, John Gosden’s charge may well have been looking at a tilt at the Arc itself but this is a more logical target with a possible trip to the Breeders’ Cup to follow. So Mi Dar is a best priced 5/6 with BoyleSports and will hopefully get the day off to a good start.

Recommended Bets:
So Di Mar – 2.20 Chantilly
Postponed 3.05 Chantilly
Mecca’s Angel – 4.35 Chantilly

*Prices correct at time of publication.