A quick look at the early top contenders for the Arc along with the early betting lines from Europe. The 2008 Arc will be run on October 5th at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris.The unbeaten filly Zarkava leads the way after running off an impressive four straight Group 1 wins in 2008, the last of which in the G1-Prix Vermeille at Longchamp. She's earned Racing Post Ratings of 120 or more in each of her last three starts and has performed well over a variety of goings.
The Aiden O'Brien trained Soldier of Fortune has run only twice this year, winning at Epsom back in June and finishing second to Youmzain in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on June 29th.
Vision D'Etat is an intriguing 3rd choice in the early offereings; undefeated in six lifetime starts, this colt has done the majority of his running over Soft courses - always something to consider when evaluating the Arc. His final prep race was the G2-Prix Niel at Longchamp on September 13th, and according to reports, he didn't win his race nearly as easy as Zarkava earlier that day.
Duke of Marmalade is another contender sporting an unbeaten record in 2008 (5-5-0-0). An O'Brien trainee that has seemingly been around forever, Duke's final prep was a 3/4 length victory over Phoenix Tower and former English Derby winner, New Approach, in the Juddmonte International States at Newmarket on August 23rd. He received a sparkling RPR of 138+ for his performance. His only try at a mile and a half was a 1/2 length victory over Papal Bull in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 26th. Youmzain finished 3rd that day.
Odds from Coral
6/4 - Zarkava
4/1 - Soldier of Fortune
6/1 - Vision D'Etat
7/1 - Duke of Marmalade
10/1 - Getaway
12/1 - Youmzain
14/1 - Meisho Samson
16/1 - Septimus
25/1 - High Rock
25/1 - Papal Bull
25/1 - Schiaparelli
25/1 - Zambezi Sun
33/1 - Ask
33/1 - Coastal Path
33/1 - Macarthur
40/1 - Cima De Triomphe
40/1 - Curtain Call
40/1 - Doctor Fremantle
50/1 - Adlerflug
100/1 - It's Gino