Dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Treve has staged a performance in the Prix Vermeille which even by her exceptional standards will go into the record books as something spectacular.
With owner Sheikh Joaan at Longchamp on Sunday to witness the mare’s Arc dress rehearsal, Treve treated the crowd to a display that had her connections drooling at the prospect of an unprecedented third triumph in the Arc in three weeks.
The early pace was slow and Thierry Jarnet had to hold her back to prevent her getting to the front too soon.
But as the raced went on, he gave Treve her head and she sauntered clear to pass the post easing down to beat Candarliya by 4-1/2 lengths.
Trainer Criquette Head-Maarek said Treve was as good now as she was at three.
“When you have a horse of this calibre, naturally there is some pressure and a lot of emotions,” Head-Maarek said.
“But in the end it is a race, she was prepared for it and it’s her who has to run.
“Today she was exceptional. I have her back where she was at three, with the same will to win.
“She is transformed. She has grown. She is a five-year-old and she has retained all her talent.
“But the Arc is going to be a different game.
“You cannot say she is a sure winner of the Arc, but she has a lot of things going for her.
“Today she ran exactly like she ran the Arc in 2013. I have never had a horse with that ability, who could quicken that way.
“She makes me look good. I’m pleased for everyone.”
Coral cut Treve to 10-11 from 2-1 for the Arc.