Authorized worthy Arc de Triomphe favourite

Epsom Derby winner Authorized has been backed down to 5-4 favourite for this afternoon's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in Paris (start: 4.40 p.m. Malta time).

But the colt faces a stiff challenge from the team of Irish master trainer Aidan O'Brien who saddles four runners in the 12-strong field.

Authorized ended Frankie Dettori's long Derby drought at Epsom in June when winning in the style of a true champion.

Soldier of Fortune (7-2) is O'Brien's first string with Johnny Murtagh up. He won the Irish Derby and returned to action at Longchamp last month when he captured the Prix Niel, a highly significant Arc trial.

Dylan Thomas (6-1), O'Brien's other main contender, is a seasoned top-class campaigner whose chances will be helped by the drying ground.

He will be ridden by former champion jockey Kieren Fallon who will fly back to England tomorrow for the opening of the prosecution case in his trial at the Old Bailey.

Fallon, two fellow jockeys and three other men deny conspiracy to defraud by interfering with the running of horses to ensure they lost races, defrauding Betfair betting exchange punters and others putting money on the races.