JUST A MINNUTE

It's most open Arc in years... and four-Oaks queen Minnie Hauk heads Newsboy's six of the best bidding for crown of Europe

- DAVID YATES (Newsboy)

THE 2025 Prix de I'Arc de Triomphe is the most open running of Europe's middle-distance championship for many years.

The lack of a dominating favourite has lured connections of 17 horses to try their luck.

As usual, Britain and Ireland mount a strong challenge against France’ home guard, while three runners will seek a first Arc victory for Japan.

DAVID YATES (Newsboy) looks at six of the key players.

MINNIE HAUKTRAINER: Aidan O’BrienJOCKEY: Christophe SoumillonBEST ODDS: 4-1

A BRIGHT star in an admittedly underwhelming Flat season, with three wins at Group 1 level.

Cheshire Oaks winner beat Ballydoyle stable-companion Whirl in the Oaks at Epsom in June, landed building-society odds in the Irish version at The Curragh, then beat three rivals for the Yorkshire Oaks on her most recent start.

Gives impression she does no more than is necessary and that reserves are there if she needs them, so leading chance to give O'Brien a third Arc after Dylan Thomas (2007) and Found (2016).

AVENTURETRAINER: Christophe FerlandJOCKEY: Maxime GuyonBEST ODDS: 5-1