Big races at Lomgchamp and Baden produced some key indicators for Arc weekend.
At Lonchamp as expected the raiders sewed up the Prix d'Arenberg over the 1000m with the winner Aesterius now being aimed for the Prix de lAbbaye. Archie Watson and James Doyle were both very happy with the run. Second home was Kaadi 12/1 with Treasure Isle third.
In the Gerald de Geoffre over 3000m was all for the locals with the Ferland trained Columbus winning by half a length over Chartwell, Shamarkand and favourite Hamavi.
In Germany as we predicted Fantastic Moon was able to get a soft win in the GP by returning to his best form to finish 1 ½ lengths ahead of Dubai Honour with Narrativeo third. Fantastic Moon will now go on to the Arc in an attempt to emulate his compatriots who have done that double and with his ability to do the trip and produce a top finish he could be value.
On the Saturday the G2 went to Sir Mark Prescott's Tiffany over Diamond Crown 10/1 and Spirit of Dreams 29/1.
The Group 2 went to Penalty 11/5 by 3 ¼ lengths to favourite Elamaz and Geography a neck away in third.
At the Curragh Aidan O'Brien's 2yos gathered both wins with Dreamy winning by 1 ½ lengths over Fiery Lucy with Alla Stella third.
Ides of March behaved as befitted his odds-on price clearing away from Usdi Atohi and Rudi's Apple.
And the Snow Fairy saw Dermot Weld's Tarawa get a reward for persistence by winning from Hanaka 5/2 and Wingspan.
