HELISSIO, a horse for all situations, can sink the foreign challenge and give the Elie Lellouche Olivier Peslier team a deserved first success in the Forte Meridien Prix de Arc de Triomphe in Paris tomorrow.
There is no lack of confidence in the Helissio camp, with Spanish owner, Enrique Sarasola, having reportedly turned down a Japanese offer in the region of 8 million for the colt.
Helissio, whose biggest wins have come in the Prix Lupin, Grand Prix de Saint Cloud and the Prix Niel, has tasted defeat just once in a glittering career.
That was when in the French Derby in June, when the colt pulled too hard, with the "faux pas" leading to the sacking of Dominique Boeuf and ushering in the era of Peslier's association with the son of Fairy King.
Not that Peslier is anticipating a repeat of such antics. "He is a more relaxed individual. He is equally at home running close to the pace or a waiting race. Neither should the forecast rain prove a worry," said France's top jockey confidently.
Ireland will be doubly represented in the Parisian showcase event by Dermot Weld's impressive Irish Derby victor Zagreb and a now fully matured Oscar Schindler fresh from his romp in the Irish St Leger.
Whereas lack of a recent outing and experience may be factors against Zagreb, his class his undeniable. While Oscar Schindler, a possible for the Melbourne Cup after this, is very much the finished article. Both are capable of running big races.
However, there is a distinct feeling in France that this could be the year. There other two potential aces, Helissio apart, are the Prix Foy hero, Swain, and the Prix Niel second, Darazari.
Pentire, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes hero, is the pick of the British challenge on known form, although his ability to act on the forecast softish ground must be taken on trust.
There were valid excuses for his Prix Foy defeat and it must be said that the Geoff Wragg runner was in explosive form on the Newmarket gallops on Wednesday.
It would be unwise to ignore him. A comment that applies to Pentire's compatriots, Classic Cliche, Shaamit and Pilsudski.
Criquette Head's Anabaa the undisputed king of the Europe's sprinters, is taken to confirm his dominance by ending the Anglo Irish stranglehold on the Group One Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp. Jim Bolger's Ailleacht runs here but looks a place prospect at best.
David Loder's juveniles can do no wrong at present and the Moyglare Stud Stakes winner, Bianca Nera, can maintain her unbeaten record in the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac, whose 13 runners include Aidan O'Brien's Family Tradition.
. Busy Flight saw off his three rivals with the minimum of fuss in the Racing Post Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket yesterday to continue his climb towards the top. It came on the eve of his close relative Further Flight's attempt to win the Jockey Club Cup an unprecedented six times.
