Before heading to Paris to cheer on Maltese Cross, Hollie Doyle penned her latest exclusive blog ahead of Arc weekend.
I'm on the Maltese Cross team for obvious reasons in the *Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe* at Paris Longchamp on Sunday. He gives my husband Tom [Marquand], his trainer William Haggas and owner George Waud an outstanding chance. What he's achieved this year has been pretty spectacular. The Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltigeur at York were only the tip of the iceberg. He got roughed up a little but has a great mind for a three-year-old which will stand him in good stead from his wide draw in stall 11.
Last year's winner Daryz will be a tough opponent with the draw in his favour and looks to have been produced by Francis-Henri Graffard, but Maltese Cross will be a huge threat. I'd love to see British compatriot Kalpana make her presence felt, too.
Green Empress is entitled to take the beating in the *Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac* but Godolphin's runner Miss Miniver could exploit any chinks. Joseph O'Brien's excellent season can continue with Folsom Blues in the *Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere*. It would be a great result if Naana's Shadow could win the *Prix de l'Abbaye* for Katie Scott, but I'm expecting Francis-Henri Graffard's SHIRI to reverse that form.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing