Despite a weight allowance, it has proven a tough task for the three-year-olds to take on their elders in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m), but the Classic generation are strongly represented in this year’s renewal.

Trainer William Haggas is searching for a first ‘Arc’, having faced a narrow defeat to Enable with Sea Of Class in 2018. He will be represented by the talented Maltese Cross, who gained a first Group 1 success in the Grand Prix de Paris (2400m) over course and distance before adding another win in the Group 2 Voltigeur Stakes (2400m) at York.

Haggas said: “I don’t think he has the turn of speed Sea Of Class had, she was a brilliant filly and she was the best chance we had ever had. Shaamit hadn’t really thrived since winning the Derby, but this horse is going the right way physically like she was, she improved a lot.

“Everyone wants to win the Arc and hopefully we can give it a shot. To be in there with a chance is fantastic and anyone who has a runner in the Arc will be thrilled to be in there participating. Hopefully it will be us.”

Aidan O’Brien will be hopeful that star three-year-old filly Diamond Necklace can return to form after suffering the first defeat of her career in France. The daughter of St Nicholas Abbey remained unbeaten in her first six outings, including four Group 1 victories but found the experienced Aventure difficult to defeat in the Group 1 Prix Jean et Louis Romanet (2000m).

“We thought we’d be safer to keep her at a mile and a quarter for a trial,” explained O’Brien. "Maybe it was my fault, maybe I didn’t have her prepared strong enough for that type of race because I probably didn’t have enough respect for Christophe (Ferland’s) filly, and he had her very well on the day.

It will be the filly’s first attempt over 2400m, having triumphed from 1400m to 2100m.

“Sometimes when you run them over a mile and a half for the first time, they can have a very hard race, even though they might win and they might get it." added O’Brien.

Other three-year-old candidates include Group 1 Oaks (2400m) winner Thundering On, who will be partnered by Pierre-Charles Boudot and Varandir, successful in the traditional course and distance trial, the Group 2 Prix Niel (2400m).

Francis-Henri Graffard, trainer of Varandir and Daryz said: “I was quite confident and he confirmed he was a very nice horse over a mile and a half. Since the Prix Niel he has never stopped improving and he definitely has his chance to run in the Arc and be competitive.”

Photo: Scoop Dyga