The anticipation in Paris is palpable as horse racing enthusiasts from around the globe turn their attention to Longchamp on Sunday, October 5, 2025. It’s the biggest day of the year for the iconic racecourse, with a sensational card featuring six Group 1 races and the headline act—the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe—set for a 15:05 start. With a host of British, Irish, and international contenders, the stakes have rarely felt higher, and the atmosphere is buzzing with both excitement and uncertainty.
Longchamp’s grandstand will be packed, and punters are already weighing their options, scouring the form books and listening to expert tips. Gary Savage of the Racing Post and Tom Lunn from talkSPORT have both offered their insights, pointing to a day when outsiders could spring surprises and favorites might need every ounce of class to prevail. The soft ground and tricky draws add another layer of intrigue, making this one of the most open and unpredictable Arcs in recent memory.
The action kicks off early, with the 12:40 race providing a fascinating puzzle. Gary Savage has his eye on Clea Chope, a filly priced at a generous 28/1. What makes Clea Chope stand out? Experience is the key. With seven starts already under her belt, she’s more seasoned than many of her rivals. Last time out, she finished just three lengths behind the well-fancied Green Spirit on her first start for the Francis-Henri Graffard stable. In a five-runner field, Clea Chope was a touch unlucky—keen early and boxed in at a crucial stage—but she finished strongly and looked as though she could have been even closer. Savage notes, "She has a lovely draw in today’s bigger field, and with Aidan O’Brien’s Venosa very likely to make this a strong gallop, Clea Chope can outrun her odds for last year’s winning stable." The combination of proven stamina on soft ground and a favorable setup could see her spring a surprise.
The 13:50 sprint, the Prix de l’Abbaye, is another highlight, and here the focus shifts to Asfoora, the Australian speedster partnered by top jockey Oisin Murphy. Drawn in stall three, Asfoora is aiming for her third Group One success. Her European campaign has been a story of near-misses and triumphs—she came close at Royal Ascot, struggled to land a blow at Goodwood, but then dazzled in the Nunthorpe, where Murphy’s tactical nous saw her win decisively. Savage describes the scenario: "Murphy had her in the perfect position from the outset that day, sat just behind the pace until she showed her class and asserted just over a furlong out to win comfortably." With a low draw and her trademark gate speed, Asfoora looks primed for another big run in Paris.
But all eyes inevitably turn to the main event—the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe at 15:05. The Arc is renowned for its drama, and this year’s running is no exception. The field is stacked with talent, but the draw has thrown some curveballs. History shows that a high draw is a serious disadvantage in the Arc, with most winners coming from single-figure stalls. Gary Savage’s pick, Cualificar, ticks plenty of boxes. Trained by the most successful handler in Arc history and ridden by one of the world’s best jockeys, Cualificar arrives off a victory in the Prix Niel, one of the key trials for this race. Savage is impressed by the colt’s progression: "He had a low-key start to his career last year but has done nothing but improve in six races this year, with two Group Three wins and last-time’s Group Two victory sandwiching a second in the Prix du Jockey Club and a third in a Group Two." The way Cualificar navigated trouble in the Niel and the enthusiasm shown by William Buick post-race suggest he’s peaking at the right time.
However, the Arc is never short of international intrigue. This year, the Japanese challenge is particularly strong, with Byzantine Dream and Croix Du Nord both making waves since arriving in France. Tom Lunn of talkSPORT highlights Byzantine Dream, who has acclimated well and recently scored over course and distance under Oisin Murphy. Despite being drawn in stall 15—a tough ask in the Arc—Byzantine Dream’s ability to finish strongly after a rough start last time out has caught the eye. Lunn writes, "He was very eye-catching making his way through and could be more dangerous with a kinder run-in." The Japanese contingent, desperate to finally land an Arc victory, will be watching anxiously as the gates open.
Favoritism, though, belongs to Minnie Hauk, trained by Aidan O’Brien and drawn perfectly in stall one. Unbeaten in her last five starts, including three Group 1 wins over 1m4f, Minnie Hauk has been the subject of significant investment and confidence from the Ballydoyle team. She was even supplemented for the race at a cost of €120,000, a move that signals just how highly she’s regarded. Lunn notes, "She’s favourite for a reason after going unbeaten in her last five, with the last three being Group 1 contests over 1m4f." The parallels with Aventure, who finished second in the Arc last year carrying the same weight, only add to her credentials.
The supporting races offer plenty of intrigue as well. At 1:15, Nighttime, a two-year-old colt, is tipped to continue his winning streak. Fresh from a Group 3 victory at Longchamp, Nighttime has been favorite in every race he’s contested, and Tom Lunn suggests he’s perfectly prepped for another big run. Meanwhile, the betting ring is alive with speculation—will the outsiders deliver another shock, or will class prevail?
As the clock ticks closer to Arc post time, the talk in the stands is all about the draw, the ground, and the tactical battles that will unfold. The mix of established stars, up-and-coming talent, and hungry international challengers makes this a race for the ages. The bookmakers have their favorites, but as history has shown, anything can happen at Longchamp on Arc day.
With the action ongoing and the main event yet to be decided, fans and punters alike are left on the edge of their seats. Will Minnie Hauk justify her price and bring glory to Ballydoyle? Can Cualificar’s upward trajectory continue under the brightest lights? Or will the Japanese dream finally come true? The only certainty is that the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe will deliver high drama, fierce competition, and memories to last a lifetime.
