Kizuna looks one of the better each-way bets in the Arc

Winning form at Longchamp, winning form over 1m4f and winning form on both firm and soft ground are all big positives for Kizuna ahead of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and reasons why he looks a strong each-way candidate at 8/1.

Kizuna prepped for the Arc with a victory in the Prix Niel, which is one of its most recognised trials.

The margin of victory may not have been the most impressive when beating Ruler Of The World by a short head, especially as the Epsom Derby winner appeared to be finishing the quicker of the pair in the final furlong.

However, Kizuna’s performance should not be underestimated, as he was forced to take a wide path throughout and is unlikely to have been trained by Shozo Sasaki to peak in the contest.

A better draw in the Arc, nearer the inside running rail where he can preserve stamina, would be a big boost to his chances, while some general improvement can be expected from his prior Longchamp appearance.

There is certainly reason to believe that Kizuna is Japan’s best hope of witnessing a first ever Arc winner after 33 years of failed efforts, despite the 2/1 favourite Orfevre also being trained in the country.

Reasons why Orfevre may have difficulty winning can be found here.

Kizuna is of the optimum age to taste Arc success, with eight of the last 10 winners being three-year-olds.

Meanwhile, he fits many other trends of Arc winners in the last decade; nine had previous winning form over 1m4f, nine had already triumphed in a Group 1, seven came into the race on the back of a victory and seven came from the first four in the Arc betting.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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