Main Arc challengers dropping like flies for Orfevre

With his three main rivals out of the race and his next two leading challengers still to be confirmed, it is certainly looking as if the Arc is there for Orfevre to lose.

Orfevre is now as short as 5/2 to land the Arc spoils, as Danedream and Nathaniel have joined Snow Fairy among the Longchamp absentees.

Defending champion Danedream has been caught up in a lock down in Cologne, after another horse at the stables at which she was being held tested positive for a serious equine disease commonly known as swamp fever.

The result is that she will not be able to travel to defend her title, joining the also-fancied Snow Fairy on the casualty list after the globe-trotting mare suffered a leg injury in her preparations.

John Gosden’s Nathaniel has now additionally been ruled out after failing to satisfy connections with the results of a blood test.

All ante-post bets will be refunded on Danedream as the withdrawal was caused by exceptional circumstances, but only bets after 9am on October 2nd will be refunded on Nathaniel.

The shake up in the Arc means that Camelot is second favourite, but the participation of the Epsom Derby winner has never been certain.

But given that he has nothing to truly lose after his St Leger defeat and the raft of absentees, Camelot must now take his chance.

Saonois is also prominent in the Arc betting, but is another not guaranteed to take part as he still needs to be supplemented.

Although these two Derby winners are perhaps more likely to make a Longchamp appearance, Orfevre is clearly the one to beat.

Orfevre won the Prix Foy over 1m4f at Longchamp on his latest start and he has a similar form and profile to previous Japanese entrants to have run well in the Arc.

All odds and markets correct as of publication