The Group 2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein (1600m) remains one of the highlights of the opening day of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, with the contest often attracting contenders from across Europe.

Formerly trained in France, Ridari won the race twelve months ago before a short period in America with new handler Miguel Clement. Having struggled to make his presence felt in Graded races, he was purchased by Amo Racing and transferred to George Scott in the UK. Although disappointing on stable debut, Ridari produced an improved performance to place third in the Group 2 Brunner - Oettingen-Rennen (1600m) at Baden-Baden and appears to be returning to his best.

Scott said: “I’m really pleased with this horse. I thought he ran well at York under the circumstances and I want to get him back in the peak of his powers for ‘Arc’ weekend where he won last year. There's a chance that America has maybe left its mark on him a little bit but physically he is in unbelievable condition.”

Simon and Ed Crisford’s Quddwah continues to be consistent aged six, and has enjoyed another good season for connections. Unraced since the Meydan meeting in March, he returned after a break with victory in the Group 2 Solonaway Stakes (1600m) at Leopardstown and has previously performed well at Longchamp.

The Hamad Al Jehani-trained Diego Ventura was gelded at the end of 2025 and whilst he struggled on his first two starts after the operation, the four-year-old returned to form with a handicap win at Hamilton. Gradually stepped back through the levels, he enjoyed heavy ground at Deauville to record a success in the Group 3 Prix Quincey (1600m) and is capable of another big effort.

Patrice Cottier’s Siciliano may prove the best of the French-trained defence, having been quietly campaigned throughout 2026. A winner of a conditions event at Vichy, the son of Time Test finished a good second in the Listed Prix Millkom - Arqana (1600m) at Marseille-Borely, his first run over the trip since a juvenile.

Photo: Pat Healy