As we approach the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe it seems as though champion jockey Johnny Murtagh will have one of those difficult decisions to make as he decides which of two top rate horses he will ride in the French classic this weekend. On one hand he has the irrepressible Duke of Marmalade and on the other he has the impressive Soldier of Fortune – both with a good chance of being there or there about at the final curtain.
However, Murtagh has received some unexpected advice from fallen superstar Keiren Fallon who suggested that last year he wished he had chosen Soldier of Fortune even though he eventually won on Dylan Thomas. He believes that Soldier of Fortune has what it takes to bring the big one home and if there is any give in the surface this will make him even more of a strong contender.
The weather in France is set to play a major part in which UK horses are present with a number of horses suffering from illness or waiting for at least a little bit of rain between now and the weekend. Every horse has a favourite surface to run on and any change in the weather will see a certain change in the field.
As we approach the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe it seems as though champion jockey Johnny Murtagh will have one of those difficult decisions to make as he decides which of two top rate horses he will ride in the French classic this weekend. On one hand he has the irrepressible Duke of Marmalade and on the other he has the impressive Soldier of Fortune – both with a good chance of being there or there about at the final curtain.