Horse racing fans around the world will have their attention focused on the City of Lights this coming weekend for the running of one of the sport’s most prestigious races.

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the premier middle-distance race for older horses in Europe, and is widely considered to be the highlight of the calendar for many fans of Flat racing. The Arc betting. Timeform take a look at the form of every horse in the 2018 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in their runner-by-runner guide. DEFOE (Roger Varian). Best effort when three and a half lengths fourth to Waldgeist in Prix Foy at Longchamp. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the most respected horse races in the world which anchors the biggest weekend of horse racing in France! The Qatar 2018 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be held at its newly renovated home, the Longchamp Racecourse, (or Hippodrome de Longchamp), in Paris.

Yes, that’s right, it is once again time for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, that early fall event that tests the mettle of some of the finest thoroughbreds that Europe, and some other regions across the globe, have to offer. The event takes place on Sunday as part of the two-day meet at Paris Longchamp.

For those looking to jump straight into the betting action of the 2018 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, here are the top sites we recommend:

That last fact right there alone makes this a notable Arc, as the Longchamp course had to give up hosting the event for the last two years due to some major renovations. Now it is back in play and newly renovated, which means that the tradition of the Arc, which has been in existence since 1920, will be on display.

As the French fans like to say, it’s not a race, it’s a monument, and this edition of the Arc should be truly monumental indeed.

As much as all of the pomp and circumstance and the return to Longchamp might draw attention, what really matters are the competitors in the race itself. This year there is great excitement emanating from horse racing fans thanks to the presence of Enable.

One of the most decorated horses of her generation, she will be attempting to pull off the relatively rare quest of becoming a back-to-back winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Now, on top of all that, add in the intense betting interest in the race. Last year, fans from around the world bet over 62 million Euros on the race. Needless to say, you don’t have to have Euros or be in Paris to take part in some of this wagering action.

Arc De Triomphe History

All you need to place a bet (or more) on the Arc de Triomphe is an internet connection and a willingness to look for a betting site tailored to your needs. We’ve done research and you can find excellent sports betting sites right on this page in the banners.

Betting on the Arc should be a fun experience, and knowing which sites allow you to do this in the most seamless, hassle-free manner will go a long way to helping you in that regard.

What Makes the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe So Special?

First of all, at its core, the Arc is an extremely competitive race that draws some of the finest equine talent in the world to Paris each year. They are drawn by the purse and they are drawn by the prestige. After all, many of the finest flat racers in history passed through Paris and added the Arc to their trophy case on their way to racing immortality.

The race itself, which culminates a monster weekend of huge stakes races at Paris Longchamp, is a so-called “Group One” event, which is the highest classification in European racing.

It is contested by three-year-old and older horses at the distance of approximately 1 ½ miles on a grass course. Unlike some other top international races, it is not a handicap, which means that the best horses aren’t penalized for their excellence by having extra weight added to them.

The Arc began right after World War I in 1920 and immediately stepped to the forefront of the French and European racing scene. There is no doubt the top purse (5 million Euros) has a lot to do with that. But there is something indefinable and magical about winning that race in that city that sets it apart from others on the European circuit.

Back at Longchamps

Every venerable race track worth its salt at some point or other has undergone renovations. In the case of Longchamp, the touch-ups temporarily cost them the chance to host the event for which it is known. The last two runnings of the Arc de Triomphe took place at Chantilly instead.

The good news is that the early reviews, from a spectator perspective anyway, of the new setting are positive. Building a new grandstand that made sense both for when the crowds are large during the Arc meet and when the audience is sparser at other racing meets was the main priority.

The new 10,000-seat grandstand at Longchamp provides not only an excellent view of the track but also yields clear looks at both the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.

But what about the racing surface? Well, that might be something that can only be determined once the horses take to the turf. Some of the trainers have recently made grumblings about the Longchamp course, that perhaps it was somehow left out of the bug redo.

Whether or not that has any bearing on the outcome of the race remains to be seen, but it just adds another layer of intrigue to a race already full of it. This year’s edition of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be a kind of rebirth for the Longchamp course.

Still, it’s a returning hero who figures to garner most of the headlines heading into the race and, if the oddsmakers are to be believed, after it as well.

The Return of Enable

Back to back champions in the Arc de Triomphe are somewhat rare. That’s why the exploits of the filly Treve a few years back garnered so much attention. Her consecutive Arc wins in 2013 and 2014 made her the first repeat champion of the race since Alleged pulled it off in 1977 and 1978.

But here we are in 2018 preparing to watch another superstar distaff horse turn the rare Arc double once again. Her name is Enable and her record is pretty impeccable. And what’s amazing is that, about six months or so ago, it seemed somewhat unlikely that she would be around to defend her title.

First of all, let’s flashback to 2017, when, as a three-year-old filly, Enable established herself as one of the sport’s elite. She racked up Group One wins one after another, country-hopping to score in the Epsom Oaks, Irish Oaks, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Yorkshire Oaks, and, finally the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Many expected her four-year-old season to go along just as swimmingly. But issues with her knees that developed during training led trainer John Gosden and her owners to decide upon a layoff for their star equine. She sat out many of the top races that she conquered a year ago.

The good news came last month when she rolled to a convincing win in the September Stakes in Kempton, England. While only a Group 3 event, the race showed Enable to be in fit form. Now with a freshener under her belt, she returns for a shot at her second straight Arc conquest.

Concerns about rust have not at all dampened the enthusiasm for this champion distaffer. She is just barely above odds-on at most bookmakers, and those odds figure to drop in her favor as we get closer to race time. Clearly the sentiment is with her; now all Enable has to do is go out and produce.

Other Storylines

While many are expecting a coronation for Enable, a field of most likely in the neighborhood of 20 horses will take their best shots at this coveted victory. Here are some of the interesting storylines developing as we head into Sunday’s race.

• Top Trainers Collide:Gosden, whose horses have won two of the last three Arcs, also saddles the talented Cracksman in addition to the huge favorite. Aidan O’Brien, the most decorated of all European conditioners, sends out a massive five-horse contingent. And Andre Fabre, who has won this race a record-setting seven times but hasn’t scored since 2006 with Rail Link, has a trio of contenders in the hunt.
• Frankie Looks to Pad His Record:Jockey Frankie Dettori has been a dominant force in many of Europe’s top races, and the Arc is no different. His win with Enable a year ago put him at five career Arc de Triomphe victories, more than any other jockey in history. He could pad that lead if he can once again guide Enable home before the rest.
• Like Father, Like Daughter:While Enable was sitting out many of the top races this past summer that she won a year ago, a filly named Sea Of Class was filling in. She won the Yorkshire Oaks and Irish Oaks as part of a four-race winning streak leading into the Arc on Sunday. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because her sire is Sea The Stars, perhaps the greatest European horse of his generation and an Arc winner in 2009.

Choosing A Betting Site for the 2018 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Only a precious few out of the millions of horse racing fans worldwide will actually be in attendance at Longchamp on Sunday to place their wager in person.

Luckily, online wagering figures to be robust, meaning that you should have no difficulty finding a plethora of websites that will take your action. But finding an excellent, established, customer-friendly website to accept your wagers on the Arc de Triomphe is another matter entirely.

It’s extremely easy to fall into the trap of betting with the first site that you see. But that could lead to a disastrous and potentially costly experience.

That’s why you should practice some due diligence and either check out the websites that we highly recommend first or at least follow the guidelines listed below to help you choose the best 2018 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe betting site.

A Focus on Customer Service

Most betting websites give lip service about how they deal with customers in a timely and fair manner. But is hard to locate sites that are actually going to follow through on these promises. The betting site that you select should be one that makes every effort to make sure that your problems are addressed and solved.

First of all, you should be able to speak to a representative of the site at a moment’s notice should any problems arise. On top of that, you should be treated with respect by these employees, who should in turn follow the credo that no problem is too small.

Finally, you should expect that haste and discretion will be the buzzwords of the customer service team when dealing with whatever concern that you might have.

A Solid Policy on Deposits and Withdrawals

Whatever site you choose, you are going to want to know up front how they handle both your putting in money to set up an account and your taking money from that account whenever needed.

First of all, you should make sure the site accepts your preferred method of payment. In the age of cryptocurrency, this isn’t as sure a thing as you might expect.

Second, you should find out if there are any limitations on deposits either in terms of minimum amounts or timing. All of this should be clearly described on the company site for you to peruse.

There is nothing more frustrating for online gamblers than not being able to move their money around when they want to do so and without any hassles from the sit in question.

A Healthy Incentive for Gambling

Perhaps you are betting on the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for the first time online. If that’s the case, you might be overwhelmed by the offers being thrown at you by the websites looking for your business.

This is not unusual, as the online gambling world is extremely competitive and the quest for customers is never-ending among betting websites, whether they are set up only for horse racing or cater to all sports.

You should read the fine print before committing to a website based on them. Some of the deals for deposit bonuses or VIP rewards may sound good but actually fall short of customer expectations when they are put into practice.

It’s a good idea to do a little comparison shopping of all the deals you can get on the various sites before setting on one.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why this year’s edition of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe figures to be a particularly memorable one, and you don’t want to get left out of the betting fun surrounding this major horse race.

With that in mind, try out the sites listed on this page and make sure that any site that you choose satisfies your every need. And that’s true whether you’re only using the site to bet on the Arc or are planning on employing it as your most trusted catch-all sports gambling site.

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Timeform take a look at the form of every horse in the 2018 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in their runner-by-runner guide.

DEFOE (Roger Varian)

Won four out of five starts last season, only defeat coming when tailed off in St Leger. Resumed progress this season, winning John Porter Stakes at Newbury in April and Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket (by three and three quarter lengths from Red Verdon) in May. Unsuited by the emphasis on speed back in trip in Tattersalls Gold Cup (10.5f) at the Curragh, but bounced back in fine style when neck second to Best Solution in Grosser Preis von Baden at Baden-Baden last time, needing a stronger gallop. Could run well at a price.

SALOUEN (Sylvester Kirk)

Good-topped colt, who is a very smart performer on his day, best efforts this year in Coronation Cup at Epsom (enterprisingly ridden when head second to Cracksman) and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (one and a quarter lengths third behind Waldgeist) on second/third outings. Respectable two and a quarter lengths third to Loxley in Grand Prix de Deauville last time, and career best needed to trouble the principals.

CAPRI (Aidan O’Brien)

Big, strong colt who was successful in Irish Derby at the Curragh and St Leger at Doncaster (by half a length from Crystal Ocean) in 2017. Won Alleged Stakes at Naas (gamely by head from Cannonball) in April but below form after five-month absence when six and a half lengths fifth to Waldgeist in Prix Foy over C&D last time, weakening after chasing the leader. Entitled to come on for that run though, and should do better than when only beating one home in this race 12 months ago.

WAY TO PARIS (Antonio Marcialis)

Won minor event at Milan in 2017, and has finished in frame five of six starts this year, best effort when three and a half lengths fourth to Waldgeist in Prix Foy at Longchamp last time, staying on well from rear off slow pace. That form gives him place claims here.

WALDGEIST (Andre Fabre)

High-class performer who made the frame in both French and Irish Derby last season, but has come into his own this season, winning his last four starts including Prix d'Hedouville over C&D in May, Grand Prix de Chantilly (by three lengths from last year's Arc sixth Dschingis Secret) in June, Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (by nose from Coronet) in July and Prix Foy over C&D (smoothly, by two and a half lengths from Talismanic) in September. Did well to win so comfortably on latter occasion given modest pace and type to improve further when faced with a stronger gallop (often travels strongly).

CLOTH OF STARS (Andre Fabre)

Won first three starts last season, culminating in Prix Ganay win at Saint-Cloud, before producing career-best effort (top-class form) when two and a half lengths second to Enable in this race at Chantilly final outing. In frame five of six starts this year, including when third in Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan (three and a quarter lengths behind Hawkbill) on second outing and Prix Foy over C&D (beaten two and three quarter lengths by Waldgeist) last time. Acts on any ground and could run well once more at a decent price.

TALISMANIC (Andre Fabre)

Successful three times in 2017, notably in Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar (by half a length from Beach Patrol). Won minor event at Chantilly (readily, by one and three quarter lengths from Cloth of Stars) in March and Prix Gontaut-Biron at Deauville (comfortably by two lengths from Subway Dancer) in August, and well-held ninth behind Thunder Snow in Dubai World Cup at Meydan in between. Creditable two and a half lengths second to Waldgeist in Prix Foy at Longchamp last time, leading until heading inside final furlong.

TIBERIAN (Alain Couetil)

Successful four times in 2017, including in Prix d'Hedouville at Saint-Cloud, and Prix de Reux at Deauville and Grand Prix de Deauville. Best efforts this year when one and three quarter lengths fourth to Waldgeist in Prix d'Hedouville at Longchamp and one and three quarter lengths second to Finche in Prix de Reux at Deauville. Below form when nine and a half lengths fifth to Loxley in Grand Prix de Deauville last time, and needs to bounce back.

CLINCHER (Hiroshi Miyamoto)

Won Group 2 Kyoto Kinen at Kyoto (by length from Al Ain) in February, and finished third on next two starts, in Group 2 Hanshin Daishoten at Hanshin and Tenno Sho (Spring) at Kyoto (three quarters of a length behind Rainbow Line). Below form when eight lengths last to Waldgeist in Prix Foy at Longchamp latest outing, leading until over a furlong out, and more needed now.

ENABLE (John Gosden)

Top-class filly who won final six starts in 2017, notably Oaks at Epsom, Irish Oaks at the Curragh, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, Yorkshire Oaks at York (by five lengths from Coronet), and this race at Chantilly (by two and a half lengths from Cloth of Stars, well ridden and quickening clear final two furlongs). Sustained injury after, but showed all ability remains after 11 months off when making all in September Stakes at Kempton last time by three and a half lengths from Crystal Ocean. Should come on plenty for that and the one to beat once again.

NEUFBOSC (Mme Pia Brandt)

Won maiden at Chantilly in February, then listed race and Prix du Lys, both at Longchamp in May, last-named by one and three quarter lengths from Mahoe. Good efforts there last two starts, in Grand Prix de Paris (one and a quarter lengths second to Kew Gardens) and Prix Niel (one and a half lengths third to Brundtland, staying on). Still, more needed to be competitive here.

PATASCOY (X. Thomas-Demeaulte)

Won 1¼m minor event at Toulouse (by neck from Wetrov) in March, and had finished second all starts since, best efforts on last two, in Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly (half a length behind Study of Man) and Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at Deauville (beaten four lengths by Knight To Behold, keeping on). Stamina to prove now up in trip.

KEW GARDENS (Aidan O’Brien)

Won Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot in June and Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp (by one and a quarter lengths from Neufbosc) in July. Not given hard time when third in Great Voltigeur at York, beaten a length and a half behind Old Persian when attempting to give weight away all round, and improved again when landing St Leger at Doncaster last time by two and a quarter lengths from Lah Ti Dar, leading two furlongs out and staying on well. Has the pace to cope with the drop back in trip, but relatively quick turnaround of some concern.

Arc De Triomphe Pronunciation

STUDY OF MAN (Pascal Bary)

From the family of high-class miler Kingmambo out of outstanding miler Miesque. Won Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud in May and Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly (by half a length from Patascoy, edging ahead over a furlong out and holding on well) in June. Run best excused when six lengths fifth to Roaring Lion in Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last time, left with too much to do. Better judged on previous form and no back number if improving for longer trip (mixed messages from pedigree).

Arc De Triomphe Tickets

LOUIS D’OR (Tony Castanheira)

Won minor event at Deauville at two, and put up improved effort when third in Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly (half a length behind Study of Man) on fourth outing this year. Has failed to reproduce that form in Group 2 events since, including in Prix Niel at Longchamp (seven and three quarter lengths last to Brundtland) on latest outing.

HUNTING HORN (Aidan O’Brien)

Very smart performer who won maiden at Naas in April and Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot (by four and a half lengths from Crossed Baton, storming clear) in June. Ran in USA next two starts, and back to near-best when short-head second to Brundtland in Prix Niel at Longchamp last time, challenging winner from over two furlongs out. Stable seemingly have stronger claims elsewhere, though.

NELSON (Aidan O’Brien)

Smart performer at best, winning Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown (by half a length from Delano Roosevelt) in April. Creditable seventh to Kew Gardens in St Leger at Doncaster last time, but only used as a pacemaker that day.

MAGICAL (Aidan O’Brien)

Successful in maiden at Cork and Debutante Stakes at the Curragh (by one and a half lengths from Happily) at two, and also good second in Moyglare Stud Stakes at latter course (short head behind Happily). Won Kilboy Estate Stakes at the Curragh in July this year, and better than result when three lengths fourth to Laurens in Matron Stakes at Leopardstown last time, upsides briefly a furlong out and held when hampered final 100 yards. This represents big step up in trip, though.

SEA OF CLASS (William Haggas)

Half-sister to numerous smart winners, and has kept up the family tradiion, already the pick of the bunch after four wins from as many races since promising debut at Newmarket in April. Won listed race at Newbury in May, and similar event back there in June, as well as Irish Oaks at the Curragh (by neck from Forever Together) in July. Improved again to complete four-timer in Yorkshire Oaks at York last time by two and a quarter lengths from Coronet, quickening impressively from last to first and shooting clear inside final furlong under hands and heels. Usually travels strongly and certainly has more to come, so looks a leading contender here with handy sex/age allowances. Supplemented at a cost of €120,000 on Wednesday.

CONCLUSION

Last year's winner Enable showed she retained all her ability when dictating matters at Kempton, and she's likely to come on plenty for the outing. However, prices of 5/4 in what's shaping up to be a stronger renewal than 12 months ago make little appeal at this stage, and preference (assuming the ground doesn't come up too soft) is for the rapidly improving Sea of Class in receipt of 7 lb. She produced a fine turn of foot when wining at York and can justify her owners' decision to supplement her by becoming the fourth winning three-year-old filly in eight years.