Dry Forecast Prompts Snow Fairy Arc Gamble

The Arc is nearly upon us and the ante post markets are starting to get into full swing ahead of Sunday's showpiece. While much of the early wagering attention has been centred around the high-profile filly Sarafina who is trading as the outright favourite for the Longchamp contest. However, even without an official commitment from conditioner Ed Dunlop, the globetrotting champion Snow Fairy has been capturing steam over the past 48 hours.

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Several key bookmakers clipped the talented four-year-old bay to 16s from a price of 25s that had been relatively consistent over the past few weeks.

A forecast for dry going during the weekend's meeting is the big variable in bringing the price towards the likely 10/1 target bookmakers will have their eye on for the final hours or so before the contest. With especially dry ground an 8/1 price isn't unlikely.

One of the issues making this even more likely is the fact that several contenders will drop out of the race if the ground is to Snow Fairy's liking. Amongst them is the popular fancy Nathaniel – a first-rate three-year-old who captured the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes against older rivals two months back.

Workforce would also be seen as questionable with drying ground and some firms have taken him to 13/2 from a 5/1 ante post listing. Reliable Man is also a good bet to miss the contest if things aren't at least rated good.

The post draw is still to come and that's been a major decider in past years with any contenders being hung out wide finding themselves at a considerable disadvantage.