The G1 Arc de Triomphe has lost a second leading candidate in the space of a week with the news Danedream won’t be at Longchamp to defend her Arc crown this Sunday.

An outbreak of a serious equine disease in Germany has caused a lockdown of stables in the Cologne region.  A horse in the same training centre as Danedream tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA) which is also known as swamp fever.

“The horse that tested positive was not one of Peter Schiergen’s horses,” a spokesman for Danedream’s part owner Teruya Yoshida told Racing Post.  “But all the stables in and around the racecourse have had to be quarantined.

“Danedream is in perfect health but we must abide by the decision of the German authorities.  Her prospects of travelling are only very small.”

Danedream (4f Lomitas – Danedrop, by Danehill) was Germany’s 2011 Horse of the Year as well as a French and Italian champion last year.  Her likely loss is the second major defection from Arc markets in the last week.

Last start G1 Irish Champion Stakes winner Snow Fairy was withdrawn on Friday after heat was found in her near foreleg.  Danedream was the ruling Arc favourite and Snow Fairy was in commission at 8/1.

Bookmakers have installed Japanese raider Orfevre as the new favourite at 3-1.  Camelot, who lost his unbeaten record in the English St. Leger, is second elect at 4/1 along with Nathaniel who was runner-up to Danedream in the G1 King George at Ascot in July.

DANEDREAM