Prix Daniel Wildenstein - Arc Weekend 2010

4.25 Longchamp
Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein (group 2) (3YO plus)
Winner €83,044

Pick: Elusive Wave (win)

Vertigineux: Has run very well in second on his last 3 starts, bumping into class acts in Premio Loco and Elusive Wave (latter opposes again) and should run well again today, although this is a tough spot for him.

Corconte: Beaten in handicap company so no real chance here.

Across The Reine: Kept on very well to come third behind Steinbeck in Solonway Stakes but that was marked improvement on some very poor runs in Dubai and in Premier Handicap; More needed but not looking like improver.

Emerald Commander: Dominated his rivals to win Darley sponsored German Group 2 by two and a half lengths and continue Godolphin's brilliant record in Germany this year (they landed their fifth win from eight this season); Was well beaten in Prix Eugene Adam, but has run well all season and worth respect.

Lochinver: Has been there or thereabouts in all of his races, but his struggling at listed level seems to suggest that he’ll struggle again in this company.

Sweet Hearth: Has lost her way since so nearly winning the Foret last season, and needs way more.

Elusive Wave: Ran a good second to Goldikova in this last year (after having taken the French 1,000 Guineas, and coming fourth in the Coronation Stakes; got blocked) ; Has proved disappointing since refusing to race in the Prix Du Moulin but coming back to form and this is a winnable race.

Royal Bench: Mauled field on his return on heavy ground but even though this might be unfair on him, a more accurate reflection of his talents may be his sixth placed effort in the Criterium International last year; Got better of Lochinver in gritty style last time but form looks lacking.

VERDICT: A race that’s there for the taking if anyone wants it. ELUSIVE WAVE has been coming back to form of late and should hold an excellent chance if repeating either of her last 2 runs. She holds Vertigineux on her last win, while Sweet Hearth hasn't managed to rediscover the form that so nearly won the Prix de la Foret 12 months ago, but the application of blinkers may wake her up.