Just half-a-dozen Irish trained horses have ever won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and hopes of an addition to that most exclusive of lists this Sunday will rest between the Aidan O'Brien pair, Ruler Of The World and Chicquita.
Just twenty remain in Europe’s richest race ahead of today’s second forfeit-stage including a trio of Japanese stars attempting to end a run of frustrating near-misses for Japan in the E5 million highlight.
Gold Ship, Just A Way and Harp Star all boast Group 1 form in their homeland but it is John Gosden’s Oaks and King George heroine Taghrooda who continues to head the betting in a race for which last year’s winner Treve is as long as 10-1 in some lists.
Ruler Of The World, last year's Epsom Derby hero, is shortest of the Ballydoyle pair at 16-1 and appears set to be ridden by Frankie Dettori with Joseph O'Brien teaming up with the E6 million 2013 Irish Oaks winner Chicquita.
The Qatari Al Shaqab operation also have Treve and the Prix Niel winner Ectot in a strong Arc hand but Ruler Of The World will also carry their colours and spokesman Harry Herbert reported: “If Chicquita runs - and I believe that is the plan - I think Frankie is sure to ride Ruler Of The World.”
Dettori has won the Arc three times in total and is in line for a remarkable 26th ride in the race aboard Ruler Of The World who won the Prix Foy on his last start.
Both Australia and Free Eagle have been officially taken out of the Arc leaving it up to the older brigade to try and join an Irish roll-of-honour at Longchamp that comprises of Ballymoss (1958,) Levmoss (1969,) Alleged (1977-78,) Sinndar (2000,) Dylan Thomas (2007,) and Sea The Stars in 2009.
Richard Hughes looks set to maintain his partnership with the star sprinter Sole Power in the Prix de l'Abbaye after the flying two year old Tiggy Wiggy was ruled out yesterday while Fiesolana is set to strengthen Ireland's hand in the Prix de la Foret.
Willie McCreery’s star mare has emerged from her Matron Stakes success in good shape and the prospect of good ground in Paris this weekend is ideal her trainer believes.
