Luxembourg ended his campaign last season as one of the leading two-year-olds in the UK and Ireland, as he finished the year with a 100% record, with the highlight being his victory in the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.

The son of Camelot began the 2022 season as the favourite for the Derby and after finishing a close third in the 2,000 Guineas, he was on track to feature in the British Classic at Epsom. Unfortunately for his connections, he had to miss that race due to a setback.

Luxembourg is now showing his class in the second half of the season, with his latest success coming in the Group 1 Irish Champions Stakes. Following his performance at Leopardstown, he is now one of today's horse racing tips for the Arc, where he is the 5/1 favourite in the betting.

The two-time Group 1 winner looks set to be Aidan O’Brien’s leading chance in the French race this year and he could be his sole entry. The Irishman’s pecking order of three-year-olds has changed a lot this season, with the likes of Stone Age, Point Lonsdale, and Oaks winner Tuesday all disappointing in their latest assignments.

Step Up in Distance Likely to Be Appreciated by Luxembourg

The breeding of Luxembourg suggests the colt will appreciate the step up in distance to one mile four furlongs at Longchamp. His sire, Camelot, was victorious over that distance in the Derby and he also finished second in the St Leger (one mile six furlongs).

Both of Luxembourg’s appearances since his comebacks have been over one mile two furlongs. He did his best work in the closing stages of those two races. An extra two furlongs in the Arc may help the Irish horse improve again.

In the Irish Champion Stakes, O’Brien’s colt outbattled Onesto inside the final furlong. He also finished ahead of Eclipse Stakes winner Vadeni and globe-trotting star Mishriff, which will encourage his connections.

As with all the three-year-olds in this year’s Arc field, Luxembourg will benefit from the weight allowance for his age. He is set to carry 8st13lb on his back, 6lb lower than the four-year-old colts and above.

Former Winner Among Challengers to Luxembourg

Last year’s Arc winner Torquator Tassoc is expected to be one of the strongest challengers to Luxembourg this year. The German-trained horse finished second in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot earlier this season. He also scored in a Group 2 contest at Hamburg.

Alpinista is another one of the older horses who goes into the Arc with strong claims. Sir Mark Prescott’s runner has won her last seven races on the track. Her two victories have come at Group 1 level, with success in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and Yorkshire Oaks.

In what is truly an international field this year, Titleholder will be Japan’s best chance of winning the premier European contest. The four-year-old came out on top in the Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin on his latest appearance.

This year’s Arc will be the 101st in the French race’s history. The final declarations will be announced 48 hours before the one-mile-four-furlong contest.