Telescope a fair Arc each-way bet despite no prior Group outing
Published:European Group 1 winners Flintshire and Intello may be regarded as the leading three-year-old charges for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe this year, but Sir Michael Stoute’s Telescope may prove one to watch sneaking under the radar.
This age group is certainly to one to focus on in the Arc as it has been responsible for 15 of the last 19 winners, which could be a result of the weight allowance they receive for their youthfulness.
Given that there is a strong possibility that Telescope could have been sent off favourite for the Epsom Derby had injury not hindered his season to this point, it is clearly expected that he will stay a rise in trip to 1m4f.
His run on a first start in 294 days at Leicester on his latest appearance also showed no ill effects from his injury as he romped to a 24-length success against a horse officially rated 90.
There is every chance that Telescope will improve for the run too and if he does, Sir Michael Stoute’s runner will be fine each-way value at worst at 16/1, with the trainer bidding to provide a second Arc winner following the triumph of Workforce in 2010.
Solemia upset the apple cart of trends last year when taking the Arc having never previously won in Group 1 company, but Telescope is yet to even compete in Group company, let alone at the top level.
This could change before Longchamp though, as he holds entries in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York and the Group 1 Juddmonte International on the same August day.
On a more positive note, upset winners have sprung surprises in the last two years with Danedream at 20/1 and Solemia at 33/1, meaning that another double-figure price winner is not out of the equation.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
