Postponed to arrive on time in Arc

Postponed is a firming favourrite to cap his unbeaten season in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after drawing barrier seven for the European showpiece at Chantilly.

Second favourite, Japanese horse Makahiki, eased to 6-1 from 9-2 after coming up with gate 14 of 16.

Postponed’s trainer Roger Varian said the middle draw could be an advantage on Sunday.

“I’m not sure you want to be in one, two or three and probably not the three widest stalls,” Varian said.

“Whatever you get, good or bad, there’s nothing you can do about it and you just have to make the best of it, but seven looks all right, I think.

“It should be lovely ground, whether it be good to firm, good or on the soft side of good. It doesn’t look like there’s going to the volume of rain that would make the ground testing, which is what we didn’t really want, so we’re happy.

“I don’t think you can ever going into a race like the Arc confident, but I’m confident he’s in peak condition and hopefully he has every chance.”

Aidan O’Brien’s solitary Arc success to date came nine years ago with Dylan Thomas and he fires a three-pronged assault this time.

Ryan Moore partners Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Found who has filled the runner-up spot on her past five starts, all at Group One level.

King George winner and last year’s Cox Plate placegetter Highland Reel will be ridden by Seamie Heffernan, while Frankie Dettori is aboard Order Of St George.

The latter was beaten at long odds-on in the Irish St Leger last time out and so far his best form is over longer than the 2400 metres of the Arc.

He also has to contend with the outside barrier.

“Found is in good form. We’ve been happy with her since Leopardstown and everything has gone well,” O’Brien said.

“Order Of St George is also in good form. We were happy with his last run, other than he didn’t win. We’ve been happy with him since and obviously any ease in the ground he gets will suit him.

“Highland Reel is probably ground independent. He doesn’t mind fast ground or an ease in the ground.”

Dual Derby winner Harzand has fimed from 8-1 to 7-1 and will start from barrier six.