Longchamp hosts Arc preps

Longchamp Race Course in Paris will be the site of three major 1 1/2-mile preps for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday.

The Group 1 Prix Vermeille for 3-year-old fillies features a rematch between the first two from the French Oaks, Aquarelliste and Nadia. Unbeaten in three starts, the Elie Lellouche-trained Aquarelliste is the current Arc favorite. She is very talented and rates the edge over Nadia and the fast-improving Diamilina.

Michael Stoute's British invader Golan is the choice in the Group 2 Prix Niel for 3-year- old colts. Runner-up to Galileo in the Epsom Derby, he has an edge an edge over French Derby runner-up Chichicastenango, as well as Anabaa Blue, who may be uneasy on the prevailing good ground.

Hightori, third in both the Dubai World Cup and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, is the 4-5 favorite in the Group 2 Prix Foy for older horses but Slew the Red is very dangerous in search of his fourth straight victory.

*As part of the United Kingdom's national day of mourning in honor of those who died in Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C., all British racecourses observed a minute of silence prior to their first races on Friday. Afterwards, The Star-Spangled Banner was played over racecourse public address systems.