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Treve to get a check-up

TreveTreve
© Healy Racing Photos

Superstar filly Treve will undergo a thorough examination after returning to France on Friday following her disappointing display in the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

Last year's stunning Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine lost her unbeaten record at the hands of multiple Group One-winning compatriot Cirrus Des Aigles in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp at the end of April, but was fully expected to return to her brilliant best at Royal Ascot.

However, the Criquette Head-Maarek-trained four-year-old did not move well to post in the hands of Frankie Dettori and looked ill at ease during the race itself before staying on to finish third behind The Fugue.

Harry Herbert, racing advisor for owners Al Shaqab Racing, has speculated Treve may have pulled a muscle before taking to the famous Ascot turf.

He said: "She's on her way home and the Al Shaqab vet, Duncan Moir, is flying over to Chantilly to look at her. She'll be fully checked over and we'll see if anything comes to light, but obviously there was something amiss.

"She got a bit het up in the pre-parade ring and got up on her hind legs a couple of times and got a bit upset. Whether she tweaked a muscle doing that, I don't know.

"Take absolutely nothing away from the winner, who is also a brilliant filly and won like a proper star.

"It's just a great shame, for whatever reason, we didn't see the real Treve turn up. Unfortunately racing isn't that straightforward."

Herbert remains hopeful Treve will be back on song in time to defend her Arc crown in October, saying: " As Criquette said yesterday, we've lost the battle but not the war. Providing nothing serious comes to light, she'll be prepared for the Arc now and all roads lead to Longchamp in October.

"She could run before then in Prix Vermeille. I think that's probably the likely scenario, but we'll see what happens."