Silverwave

Silverwave ran a lot better than his finishing position in 10th place suggests in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

This year’s Arc was ultimately run at a sedate pace. Pacemaker Shahah did no go blazingly fast from flagfall, and they steadied again on the run into the false straight. Consequently, it was a race that favoured those horses who raced prominently through the early stages of the race. The first three home, Golden Horn, Flintshire and New Bay, raced in second, third and fourth places behind Treve’s pacemaker, a 250/1 shot, from about 11 furlongs out.

Silverwave was dropped in early by James Doyle from his wide draw, 17 of 17. Doyle went for the inside run and trusted to luck. Unfortunately, the luck did not arrive. From the moment that it became apparent that the pace was not strong, Silverwave had very little chance of getting close.

Just about last into the home straight, Alain Couetil’s colt made ground from there all the way to the line. He finished 10th, probably no better than you would expect from a 100/1 shot, but he was only beaten a total of five lengths, and he was closest at the finish.

All season, the Silver Frost colt has shaped like a horse who was more a galloper than a quickener, a horse who would appreciate easy ground and a stiff test of stamina. He benefitted from a fast pace and heavy ground when he won the Group 3 Prix La Force at Longchamp in April, but he never really got those conditions again. The closest he came was in the Prix Niel, when he kept on well through the closing stages to take second place behind easy winner New Bay.

He should benefit now from a greater stamina test and easier ground. He will be of interest if he races again this term, ideally on soft ground and up in trip. Longer term, he will be of interest if he steps up to staying trips next season. He could be a Prix du Cadran horse for next season.

4^th October 2015