Treve is special. Obviously, she’s special – that electric turn of foot, those two magical Arc wins, her perfect record either side of those three runs in 2014 when she was suffering from foot and back problems. She’s special.
But the Motivator filly is special in the unique sense of the word too, as on October 4 (Sunday) she will make history, one way or another, when she sets hoof on the Parisian turf with all eyes of the racing world upon her.
For no horse has ever before lined up at Longchamp carrying the unique weight of expectation that will come with going for a third success in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Six other horses have won Europe’s most prestigious race twice, but none of that sextet went for a third. Ksar retired at four, Motrico at five after his second win, the filly Corrida was the same, Tantieme retired at four as did Ribot and Alleged.
But Treve, the Arc angel, stayed in training following her second triumph in the great race and since then she hasn’t put a foot wrong.
Bookmakers all over Europe have been scurrying for cover as Criquette Head-Maarek has orchestrated a perfect five-year-old campaign that has seen Treve take in victories in the Prix Corrida, the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and, most spectacularly, in the Prix Vermeille.
That latest win has set things up perfectly for the 2015 Arc. All her good traits were there; she travelled like a demon, burst clear once unleashed by Thierry Jarnet and then kept going until her pilot decided to, reluctantly presumably, apply the brakes.
If there was a chink of light for her rivals she did slightly hang right towards the rail, but that’s being extremely picky. She simply looks in fantastic shape and her physical problems from last year are a fading memory, hence the general odds-on quotes.
Her credentials are rock solid. But, while she’s the first horse to go for a third Arc win, she’s the fifth horse in the last 25 years that will go off as odds-on favourite, should she maintain her market dominance.
Here’s how the others fared:
1990 – Salsabil 3/5 favourite. Finished 10th.
1991 – Generous 9/10 favourite. Finished 8th.
2000 – Montjeu 4/5 favourite. Finished 4th.
2009 – Sea The Stars 4/6 favourite. Finished 1st.
2015 – Treve odds-on favourite? Finished ?
Those beaten favourites mentioned above had some things in common. All of them had a wide draw, although it should be remembered that was no barrier to success for Treve in 2013 when she won from stall 15. A more likely reason for defeat is the weight she has to give to some classy three-year-old colts, namely New Bay, and possibly Jack Hobbs and/or Golden Horn. But Treve has lit up Longchamp several times before and an expectant crowd will be hoping to see that trademark turn of foot again. It’s all very exciting. Treve is special.
- Ben Lightfoot for Sportinglife.com
Picture: Treve winning the 2014 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Independent.co.uk)
