Setback scuppers Estrange’s Arc challenge

Estrange will not contest Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe due to a late setback.

The David O’Meara-trained filly was a general 16-1 chance for the mile-and-a-half feature after graduating from Group Three and Two wins at Haydock to chase home Arc favourite Minnie Hauk in the Yorkshire Oaks last time out.

Estrange was due to be owner Cheveley Park Stud’s first runner in the autumn highlight, for which she had been drawn widest of all in stall 18, but a dirty scope has scuppered her ParisLongchamp challenge.

O’Meara told the PA news agency: “We’re all devastated.

“She worked earlier in the week and worked great and it looked like the rain was coming for her which was ideal.

“This morning she was coughing after exercise and I scoped her and she was dirty – we don’t have enough time to get her cleaned up.”

Estrange has another entry in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot later this month, but O’Meara is unsure whether the daughter of Night Of Thunder will recover in time for that race on October 18.

He added: “We’ll see. It would be a guess. I just don’t know.

“We’ll put her on some antibiotics and just keep her ticking over and see where we are in a week or so.”

Estrange’s absence leaves a field of 17 for the Arc, with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Minnie Hauk as low as 3-1 favourite after being handed a favourable draw in stall one.

O’Brien, who is seeking a third win in the race, also fields last year’s third Los Angeles but he will have to defy stall 14 to claim victory while Aventure, who is just behind Minnie Hauk in the betting, was handed stall 12.

Hopes of a first ever Japanese-trained winner were dealt a blow, with Japanese Derby winner Croix Du Nord and the Prix Foy victor Byzantine Dream drawn in stalls 17 and 15 respectively. Their compatriot Alohi Alii appears better placed in four, however.

Andre Fabre’s pair of Sosie and Cualificar fared better with stalls three and eight respectively, while Francis-Henri Graffard’s Daryz (two), Quisisana (seven) and Gezora (13) could have done worse.

Daryz is owned by the Aga Khan Studs and racing manager Nemone Routh said: “We’re quite happy with the draw as traditionally we have not fared very well but this time we are very happy with the number two.

“We’re next to Minnie Hauk and Sosie so no complaints. He’s very well and it’s just a case of seeing if he is mature enough and good enough on the day to be competitive.

“His parents, Sea The Stars and Daryakana, both won on the same weekend – Sea The Stars in the Arc and Daryakana in the Royallieu in 2009.

“He looks the part, he’s very much stamped by his sire and he has improved all year, but this is very much a big step.”

Andrew Balding’s Kalpana (10), Marco Botti’s Giavellotto (five), whose participation had been in doubt, the John Murphy-trained White Birch (nine) and Jessica Harrington’s Hotazhell (11) also take their chances.

Leffard (six) and Arrow Eagle (16) complete the field.