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More l'Arc news

Al Kazeem (nearside)Al Kazeem (nearside)
© Photo Healy Racing

Owner John Deer has confirmed Al Kazeem an intended runner in Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

Roger Charlton's six-year-old also holds an entry in Saturday's BMW Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot, but he will instead bid for Arc glory for a second time, with regular rider James Doyle set to be on board in Paris.

The three-times Group One winner was brought back into training with Charlton earlier this year following an unsuccessful stint at stud.

Following a pleasing comeback at Newbury and a return to winning ways in the Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor, Al Kazeem came up short when fifth in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, but Deer is keen to see how he fares back over a mile and a half.

He told Press Association Sport: "I'm pretty sure he's going to go to France. He seems to be in good form and is going nicely on the gallops and we're keen to give it a go.

"I'm not sure what the ground is going to be like, possibly good to firm.

"I believe James is available, which is a big help."

Al Kazeem was a creditable sixth in last year's Arc, but looks sure to encounter less demanding conditions upon his return to France.

Although there is little rain forecast, course officials have no plan to water, according to the International Racing Bureau.

A statement on the IRB website read: "The ground (on Tuesday) at Longchamp is officially good.

"The clerk of the course has said that there is very little rain forecast for this week and he does not intend watering and expects the ground to be good. He will try and have it the same as it was for the Arc trials on September 14."

Christophe Lemaire suffered an injury scare at Maisons-Laffitte on Monday but is not concerned about his fitness ahead of the Arc meeting. The French jockey sustained a slight leg injury in a fall at the Paris track but is not in action again until Friday.

"I'm just sore in the leg but it's not a problem. I have three days off without riding so I will be back on Friday," he said.

Lemaire's book of rides includes Avenir Certain in the Arc. He picked up the mount of the dual French Classic winner after regular pilot Gregory Benoist rejected her in favour of Ectot, who staked his claim with victory in the Prix Niel over course and distance on September 14.

Lemaire has yet to win France's biggest race and is hoping he can finally put that record straight.

He said: "I have finished second once in 2006 (on Pride) and this is the race every jockey wants to win. This is the biggest in our country and one of the biggest races in the world. I would like to win it, of course, and this is definitely one of my best chances.

"The forecast is good, no rain. I think we will have the perfect ground for everybody and to give all the horses every chance to put up a good performance."

Al Kazeem, Avenir Certain and Ectot are among 20 horses to stand their ground at the first forfeit stage. The list of possible runners is headed by ante-post favourite Taghrooda, winner of the Investec Oaks and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Last year's heroine Treve along with the Japanese trio of Gold Ship, Just A Way and Harp Star are also in the shake-up. Aidan O'Brien has left in Chicquita and Ruler Of The World, while St Leger winner Kingston Hill is Roger Varian's hope.

Flintshire is Andre Fabre's sole contender, with the list at this stage completed by Ivanhowe, Spiritjim, Siljan's Saga, Montviron, Prince Gibraltar, Free Port Lux, Dolniya and Shamkala.