So Far, So Good

As the journey back to the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe continues apace for its dual heroine Treve (Fr) (Motivator {GB}), Sunday’s G1 Prix Vermeille at Longchamp acts as the final staging post for the world-renowned mare. Putting up arguably her career-worst performance when fourth in this 12 months ago, Al Shaqab Racing’s priceless 5-year-old turned a corner straightaway afterwards and bounded to glory in the main event three weeks later. Enjoying a smoother passage to her triple history bid with Criquette Head-Maarek analyzing every step, she comes here off authoritative wins in the 10 1/2-furlong G2 Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud May 29 and the June 28 G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud over this mile-and-a-half trip. “Of course I am looking forward to it, whenever she runs it is a big deal,” Head-Maarek said. “But this is definitely not a trial; the Vermeille is a very important Group 1 in its own right. She’s in great form, she did her final piece of work earlier this week and everything was good. She’s 100% for this, because she’ll need to be 200% for the Arc.” After her defeat of Golden Horn (GB) in York’s G1 Juddmonte International last time Aug. 19, Jeff Smith’s Arabian Queen (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) has already ensured notoriety and if she is to eclipse Treve she will hit the heights of giant-killing fame. Her owner-breeder is viewing this clash with the French star with relish. “My interpretation of the York race was that there appeared to be no excuses,” he said. “The experts see it differently, though, and believe everything bar the pacemaker ran a stone below their best. We’re going there in great heart and even if we get beaten by Treve, that will be no disgrace. She has to give us weight, though. I just think this year we have an incredible crop of 3-year-old fillies and the colts, especially the milers, are a bit suspect.” Looking forward, Smith said, “Who knows about the Arc if she runs well? She’s not in it, though, so would have to be supplemented, and that’s a big decision. We were always thinking of the Arc next year for her. She’s got the race at Ascot as an end-of-season option and I’ve always thought that would be a lovely way to end the season.” Also in deep but worthy of much respect is Roisin Henry and Susan Magnier’s Diamondsandrubies (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who beat Legatissimo (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) in the G1 Pretty Polly S. at The Curragh June 28 before finishing ninth behind that rival in the G1 Nassau S. at Goodwood last time Aug. 1. Others providing a solid underbelly to the contest are Martin Schwartz’s June 28 G2 Prix de Malleret winner and G1 Yorkshire Oaks third Sea Calisi (Fr) (Youmzain {Ire}); Godolphin’s Aug. 29 Listed August S. scorer Beautiful Romance (GB) (New Approach {Ire}); and His Highness The Aga Khan’s Aug. 16 G3 Prix Minerve winner Candarliya (Fr) (Dalakhani {Ire}).