As we approach the famous Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe it appears that champion jockey Johnny Murtagh is still hedging his bets over his agonising call to ride either Duke of Marmalade or Soldier of Fortune in the big race. While nothing has yet been confirmed it looks as though he is on Duke of Marmalade at the moment but if the rain continues on the course we could see him jump onboard Soldier of Fortune as late as tomorrow. So why the confusion?
The problem is that while many consider Duke of Marmalade to be the better runner, on firmer ground, Soldier of Fortune will be at his very best with a little give in the ground. Indications from the trackside show that there is likely to be a marked rainfall in the run up to the race which would see Soldier of Fortune become the favoured of the two. Indeed if the weather continues as it is there is every chance that Duke of Marmalade will be pulled from the race for his own safety.
There are few races in the world which compare with the Arc, but Johnny Murtagh has an agonising call to make which could literally mean him winning or losing on the big day.
As we approach the famous Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe it appears that champion jockey Johnny Murtagh is still hedging his bets over his agonising call to ride either Duke of Marmalade or Soldier of Fortune in the big race. While nothing has yet been confirmed it looks as though he is on Duke of Marmalade at the moment but if the rain continues on the course we could see him jump onboard Soldier of Fortune as late as tomorrow. So why the confusion?