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Sosie stamps Arc credentials with easy Niel win

Sosie raced to the top of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe market with a comfortable victory in the Group 2 Prix Niel at Longchamp on Sunday.

Jockey :Maxime Guyon Maxime Guyon poses in Salisbury, United Kingdom.
Jockey :Maxime Guyon Maxime Guyon poses in Salisbury, United Kingdom. Picture: (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Winner of the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris over the same course and distance, Sosie's form had been boosted with the commendable second of Illinois in Saturday's St Leger, who filled the same position in the Longchamp contest. Prix du Jockey Club winner, Look de Vega beat Sosie by two and a quarter lengths in the Classic at Chantilly in June and it was expected, despite not having race for three months, he would be able to maintain his unbeaten record on Sunday starting a short-priced favourite. Jockey Ronan Thomas took him to the lead however turning for home it was clear he was under pressure.

Although Sosie raced keenly in the opening stages, jockey Maxime Guyom remained confident on the exciting colt, pushing to the lead with two-and-a-half furlongs to run. He kept on strongly and both the chasing Delius and weakening Look De Vega were unable to make an indent on Sosie's lead, finishing one-and-a-half lengths and a further two lengths behind in second and third respectively. 

In an interview with Sky Sports Racing, Guyon said: "I'm really happy with Sosie, 2400 (metres) is much better for him.

"The ground is a little bit sticky today and for me he is much better on good ground, so I think if the ground is OK for the Arc I have a really good chance to win.

"He's very easy to ride, he's very relaxed. He doesn't have a big turn of foot but he has long speed, which is why I preferred to come outside.

"I cross my fingers for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and we will see, but I think we have a really good chance."


 
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