Nick Luck’s blog: Ace ready to have maximum Impact

EVADE looks quite an interesting runner at 10/1 in the Jean-Luc Lagadere (1.15pm), the two year old colts’ race that opens up the ITV action from Paris Longchamp on Arc day. All the form leads you back to favourite Beauvatier, and a line through Ramatuelle gives us a hint as to where he stacks up with British/Irish form. That said, two year olds are progressing at variable rates at this stage, and Evade managed to run Beauvatier to length here last month despite looking a work in progress. A more strongly run race – guaranteed here – could easily help him get quite a bit closer.

OPERA SINGER could be one for Ballydoyle in the Marcel Boussac (1.50pm) at 2/1. This is quite a strong race, with Darnation and a clutch of local fillies looking really promising, but Opera Singer took her form to another level at the Curragh in August, thrashing two fillies who have shown at least useful form subsequently. What is more, she is out of a tremendous producer in Liscanna, whose two previous best offspring – Brave Anna and Hit It A Bomb – both really came to the fore in the autumn of their two year old careers.

ACE IMPACT can justify long time favouritism at 5/2 in the Arc (3.05pm). On the evidence of his form so far – even though he is by mud-lover Cracksman – the drying week in Paris should help him, and will bring his rapier turn of speed much more into play. Furthermore, this isn’t a race with tons of obvious pace, so those with a finishing kick could easily be at an advantage. When the surface is in the realms of conventional – and the race isn’t a complete war – my instinct is always to side with a talented three year old, and this horse’s preparation looks well thought out and ideal.

STAY ALERT might spring a bit of a surprise at 20/1 in the Prix de l’Opera (3.50pm). This is quite a tightly matched group, but she’s unlucky not to be a Group One winner already after her run in the Irish Pretty Polly this year, and her run of foot might be seen to quite good effect at this track. She looks to have her ideal conditions.