Treve© Photo Healy Racing
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Treve remains on course for a likely appearance in the Prix Vermeille at Longchamp in a little under three weeks' time after delighting trainer Criquette Head-Maarek in a workout on Tuesday morning.
The Motivator filly stretched her unbeaten record to five with a stunning performance in the Arc last autumn, but has so far failed to rediscover that form in 2014.
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 with three lead horses over 2000 metres (mile and a quarter) and I was very happy with her. The ground was a bit soft after all the rain, so that helped her," said the trainer.
"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 what promises to be a fantastic renewal of the Arc on October 5.
Her potential rivals include German star Sea The Moon and John Gosden's Oaks and King George heroine Taghrooda, while Aidan O'Brien's dual Derby hero Australia would be a fascinating addition if given the green light.
Head-Maarek said: "Last year she was unbeaten and this year she has been beaten twice, so it is a little bit different.
"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 is the German horse and the Japanese horse (Just A Way). We don't know if Australia will run, but he is a champion, and although she was beaten in the Yorkshire Oaks the other day, Taghrooda is a very good filly.
"There are lots of horses to fear and I never think it is easy to win a race, especially a race like the Arc."
