Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Treve is on track to defend her title, delighting trainer Criquette Head-Maarek with her latest work-out.
Treve stretched her unbeaten record to five with a stunning performance in the 2013 Arc but has so far failed to rediscover that form this year.
She was beaten by esteemed compatriot Cirrus Des Aigles on her return to action in April’s Prix Ganay and was then third in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, after which she was found to have pulled muscles.
Head-Maarek has slowly nursed her stable star back to full health and hopes she will be firing on all cylinders in the coming months.
“Treve worked this morning (Tuesday) with three lead horses over 2000 metres and I was very happy with her,” Head-Maarek said.
“She seems fine, she’s happy in herself and it looks like all the problems are gone, so we keep our fingers crossed.
“She is en route to either the Prix Vermeille or the Prix Foy (both September 14), but I think the Vermeille is more likely.”
Despite her troubled campaign Treve is among the leading contenders for the Arc on October 5.
Her potential rivals include German star Sea The Moon and Epsom Oaks and King George winner Taghrooda while dual Derby hero Australia would be a fascinating addition if given the green light.
“Last year she was unbeaten and this year she has been beaten twice, so it is a little bit different,” Head-Maarek said.
“It is difficult to say I am 100 per cent confident, but all I can say is at this moment I am very happy with the filly.
“It is a little too soon to say which horses are going to run, but the Arc is always a strong race.
“There are lots of horses to fear and I never think it is easy to win a race, especially a race like the Arc.”
