Press Association Images
St Nicholas Abbey excels at the 1 1/2-mile distance of the Arc.
The Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is set for Sunday afternoon at Longchamp in Paris. A field of 18 passed the final scratch phase Friday morning. Here’s hoping they all make it to the gate.
The 2012 Arc already lacked the best middle-distance horse in the world – unbeaten Frankel is taking a pass on France in favor of the Champion Stakes at Ascot – and in the last 10 days top contenders Snow Fairy (injury), 2011 Arc winner Danedream (trapped by a German quarantine), and Nathaniel (fever) have dropped from the race.