Maltese Cross prepares for his cinematic moment: challenging Daryz in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Owned by film producer George Waud, the son of Sea The Stars went in just a few months from prospect to becoming one of the major contenders for Longchamp. Second in the Derby and winner of the Grand Prix de Paris (G1) and the Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2), he will look to capitalize on his powerful turn of foot

NEWMARKET, England (Special for Turf Diario).- Maltese Cross's season had plenty of a movie script about it, and now it only lacks the most important scene. Owned by Hollywood producer George Waud, the colt who a year ago was barely beginning to hint at his potential will arrive next Sunday at ParisLongchamp turned into one of the main opponents to Daryz (Sea the Stars) for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1).

William Haggas had left a fairly clear clue at the end of 2025. After Maltese Cross's first two performances, he mentioned to his owner that he might have "a good one" on his hands.

Throughout the winter, Waud and his friend and advisor Gavin Chengalanee tried to interpret how far that definition could go. The answer was appearing race after race.

The son of Sea The Stars began his campaign at Newbury with a performance that left his owners satisfied, although considerably less so Haggas and Tom Marquand. Both expected more.

Everything changed in the Derby Trial (L) at Lingfield. Maltese Cross won authoritatively and secured his passport to Epsom, where conditions ended up playing completely against his characteristics.

On heavy ground and breaking from post one, he still finished second to Christmas Day (Camelot) in the Derby (G1).

“For us it was a 'wow', something that was beyond any expectation,” recalled Chengalanee. “If the Derby Trial had been the base camp, even finishing second at Epsom was special because it showed us that this horse, who had been bought thinking about fully developing at 4 years old, was already special now.”

Longchamp changed all plans

Definite confirmation came precisely at the venue where he will now try to reach glory.

On July 14, Maltese Cross won the Grand Prix de Paris (G1) over the same 2400-meter course as the Arc and left an impression that ended up decisively influencing Haggas's plans.

That day he had to find room between rivals before using a blistering acceleration to resolve the race.

“His victory over the track and distance showed his turn of foot and his ability to push through gaps,” explained Chengalanee. “It's something that stays in the memory thinking about the Arc because there will probably be many runners and, if he gets caught wide at the break, he will have to move through horses again.”

The Epsom experience also brings confidence. Marquand managed to overcome the uncomfortable inside post and position him favorably before reaching Tattenham Corner.

“He always runs his race. He's not one of those horses that comes out of the gates and decides not to participate. He's going to be there and he's going to get involved.”

Later, Maltese Cross won again in the Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2) and was left facing two possible paths: try to settle the pending score regarding Classics in the St Leger (G1) or prepare directly for the Arc. Haggas chose Paris.

The ground can change history

The decision also has a strategic reason. As a 3-year-old, Maltese Cross will be able to take advantage for the only time of the weight-for-age allowance against older horses.

Furthermore, after a summer marked by unusual conditions, the dry period at the beginning of autumn increases the chances of finding at Longchamp the firm ground that best seems to suit his characteristics.

“Tom is particularly excited about the possibility of having sun and good ground,” said Chengalanee. “I think, combined with his turn of foot, it can be a very potent weapon.”

The irony is inevitable. In a year characterized by heat and lack of rain, Maltese Cross found heavy ground precisely when the Derby arrived. Now his connections hope that luck reverses and that the draw also plays along.

“It would be fantastic to get a low draw and good weather. I think he deserves that stroke of luck.”

Haggas knows perfectly well what it means to be close to winning the Arc. In 2018 he came just a head short of achieving it with Sea Of Class (Sea the Stars), beaten by Enable (Nathaniel) after an extraordinary late run.

Now he will try to conquer the race with a son of Sea The Stars who still seems to have margin to keep growing.

“There are so many owners who dream of running in the Arc and then horses fall by the wayside: a problem appears, they step on a stone... We still have to get there and be at the start,” reflected Chengalanee.

Maltese Cross has already done practically everything necessary to earn that spot.

A year ago Haggas smiled and said he might have “a good one.” Then came Lingfield, the Derby, the Grand Prix de Paris, and the Great Voltigeur. Now nobody needs to ask him what he meant. The ultimate answer may come next Sunday at Longchamp, facing Daryz and in Europe's most important race.