Key Points
- Arc Arc Ole showed plenty of promise on his reappearance run
- I think the handicapper has underestimated this one’s ability!
- Arc Arc Ole is a horse to follow through the entire Flat season
Before we get started properly, I’m RacingGav and I’m the resident horse racing expert here at Betting.co.uk. While I mainly publish
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The horse I’m discussing here is one to keep an eye on over the 2026 Flat season, rather than one you should back in every race. Those of you who have seen my earlier trainers to follow articles will know how this works, and incidentally, those will resume very shortly! Adding a specific horse to follow is a new concept for me, and it will be interesting to see how my selection for May (and beyond) works out.
My horse to follow for May 2026
- This month’s pick is
Arc Ole Ole, a three-year-old colt trained by
Dylan Cunha
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The progressive Dylan Cunha trains Arc Ole Ole
2026 will be Dylan Cunha’s fifth year on the UK horse racing scene and it will likely be his best yet! Dylan started training in the UK during 2022, and every year since he has had more runners, and more winners. In 2025 Dylan saddled a total of 47 winners, with a further 51 horses placing second, 48 coming third, and 40 crossing the line in fourth.
Arc Ole Ole showed plenty of promise on his reappearance run
Arc Ole Ole made his seasonal reappearance in late March, which was also his third career start at Doncaster. He was well supported, and went off as the 6/4 favourite. The official result shows he won by a short head, which doesn’t look all that inspiring, but the result doesn’t tell the full story.
Firstly, Arc Ole Ole was stepping up from 1m to 1m 2f for the first time. Unfortunately, the longer distance, slower pace, and the fact that he was fresh from a 150-day break, went to his head a bit, and he raced too keenly. Luke Morris had a tough task trying to keep a lid on him, as Arc Ole Ole pulled his arms out throughout the race.
However, he made steady headway from 2f out, joined the leaders 1f out, and it took plenty of riding from Luke Morris to ensure his head was in front at the line. I felt he showed a good attitude to come home in front that day, and I believe it often bodes well when a horse wins untidily, or when things don’t go their way. While some of you won’t agree, I thought it was a hugely promising run from Arc Ole Ole. Given how keen he was early on, he could just as easily have folded and backed out of the race.
I think the handicapper has underestimated Arc Ole Ole’s ability
Arc Ole Ole’s Doncaster run came off a mark of 71 and he was awarded a RPR of 77. The official BHA handicapper had his say, and he only raised Arc Ole Ole by 4lb to a mark of 75. Personally, I think that’s generous, and underestimates Arc Ole Ole’s ability. There are also many reasons why I believe he will improve as the season progresses.
Firstly, he is a brute of a three-year-old, and it will take time for him to fill out properly, but he should continue to improve as he matures. I also think that he will have learned a lot from that race at Doncaster, given that he had to dig deep to come home in front. I don’t think the way the race went suited him at all, given it was run at a very steady gallop, with a sprint for the line. I’m sure he would have been much more settled if there had been a stronger gallop early on. If he had conserved more energy, it would have been a better finish.
I’m also not sure that the conditions at Doncaster were right for him. The going was Good to Soft that day, and after seeing his high knee action, I think he will do better on softer ground. So given the right ground, he could improve again for that. I also find his pedigree interesting. He is a half-brother to Miss Alpilles, who has won over 1m 3.5f, 1m 6f, and 2m, with the latter being at Listed level, and his dam, Alma Linda, was a winner over 1m and 1m 4f. Based on that, he should stay at least 1m 4f, if not even further, so going up in distance is another potential avenue.
Arc Ole Ole is one to follow for the entire Flat season
Arc Ole Ole is an exciting three-year-old from an exciting stable, so I’d keep an eye on both if I were you! I’m convinced that Arc Ole Ole will be a significantly better horse than his current rating of 75, and I think there will be natural progression as he develops physically and mentally. Doncaster was only his third run, and when you factor in that he would have preferred a stronger gallop, and softer ground, there is even more potential for improvement.
At the time of writing, Arc Ole Ole has no confirmed entries. However, given that his last race was at the end of March, I expect to see him out during May, unless we have a very dry month. It’ll be interesting to see which direction Dylan goes with him. A stronger-paced race could see him defy the 4lb rise, softer ground and/or a step up in trip would give him an even better chance.
Arc Ole Ole has clocked up one win already this year, and I don’t think he’s done yet. If campaigned well, I think he can win again next time out, and continue to do so as the season progresses. My advice? Get him in your tracker now, and hopefully there will be plenty of fun to be had following him through the 2026 Flat season!
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