Watering Improves Workforce's Arc Bid

After some tentative hours in the build up to the 2011 Arc De Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday, it has emerged that Workforce would indeed line up in Europe's biggest 1m4f showdown. With forecasts and racing pundits predicting quicker ground for Sunday's contest, key contender Nathaniel was withdrawn and it looked as though last year's winner Workforce would be following him out with an eye towards British Champions Day.

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However, to the delight of ante post punters, Workforce has been almost officially confirmed for the Arc after connections expressed confidence in the ground for this Sunday's big contest.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Teddy Grimthorpe, the racing manager to Khalid Abdullah declared “We had someone walk the course for us today. The intention is to run if we can.” He went on to explain that “they have put 10mm on and there is a chance that they will re-evaluate on Saturday night as well to see if they need to do a little adjusting. It should be good, sage ground hopefully.”

Workforce is not stabled in Paris right now and would be travelling on the day. Last year's winner was drawn in stall number 8 and that will come as good news to connections. “If we could repeat the same scenario as last year that would be fine” said Grimthorpe.

The director of France Galop General Hubert Monzat expressed his confidence in the going and declared that the ground was between good and soft after another 10mm of water was added. He went on to explain that he expected good ground for both days of the Arc Meeting.

Workforce's odds have drifted to 9/1 as So You Think draws plenty of attention at 5/1 and Snow Fairy has more than halved in price to 10/1 from 25/1 a week ago.

Sarafina is still clinging to her status as ante post favourite with a 9/2 listing.