Danedream to face down German Derby one-two in final Arc-prep

Connections are pointing superstar filly Danedream towards Baden Baden and a repeat of last season’s facile success would constitute an ideal warm-up ahead of the defence of her Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe crown.

Danedream was a largely unfancied 20/1 shot for Europe’s richest flat race in the wake of a classy success in the Grosser Preis von Baden last year, but she’s just 6/1 for a second Longchamp win ahead of her final prep-run this year.

She was a sixth length-scorer in the German Group 1’s 2011 edition, but faces a far stiffer examination this time around, courtesy of German Derby first and second Pastorious and Novellist.

The former looks to be her main rival and a genuine threat with the Racing Post affording this year’s German Derby winner a rating of 139, an identical figure to that which Danedream earned at Ascot in July.

Danedream acolytes may have seen cause for alarm when she came home last of four in Group 1 company at Saint Cloud in May.

However, she proved her doubters wrong by storming home to nick the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes from off the very nose of John Gosden’s classy Nathaniel at Ascot next time.

The worth of that form should not be underestimated with Peter Schiergen’s filly besting no less than five foes with previous winning experience at the very highest level on the day, among them Breeder’s Cup Turf victor St Nicholas Abbey.

Leading Arc betting rival Camelot is due a tough race in his final pre-Arc run as he bids to win a seldom-achieved triple crown in the St Leger at Doncaster on September the 15th.

This is fine news for the Danedream team as – all being well after her Baden Baden run – their charge will have 11 days more rest than the Ballydoyle three-year-old ahead of a prospective Longchamp clash.

Danedream is currently 11/2 to win consecutive runnings of the Arc, almost double the price of Aidan O’Brien’s Camelot at 5/2.