Global Weekly Preview: Stars shine bright for Godolphin in fascinating Arc

Andre Fabre's observation that Longchamp presents a fairer test than Chantilly for horses over the 2,400m trip is pertinent as 18 contenders of the highest quality are set to face the starter in Sunday's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

The great trainer says he cannot wait for the Arc's return to the Bois de Boulogne in central Paris, a view shared by many turfistes.

But, having said that, it would be wrong to say the Chantilly experience (on Arc weekend) has been anything but enjoyable for racegoers -- thus far -- and it will be with mixed feelings that many depart the beautiful surroundings of the French town devoted to the training of the racehorse on Sunday evening.

Fabre saddles the Godolphin Arc runner Cloth Of Stars, a colt he has believed in since the days he took him to Epsom on a failed Derby mission last year.

As a four-year-old, the son of Sea The Stars has come into his own, winning three of his four starts this season.

He won the G1 Prix Ganay in Good to Soft ground at Saint-Cloud on May 1, defeating the impeccably-bred Zarak, who reopposes in the Arc, albeit at the disadvantage of starting from gate 18, the widest in the big field.

Cloth Of Stars, on the other hand, has drawn well, in stall 3, which should ensure him a trouble-free passage in the early stages of a race in which a certain amount of early jostling for position is the norm.

Fabre is very upbeat in his final report concerning Cloth Of Stars, who comes to race off the back of a solid second to German contender Dschingis Secret in the G2 Prix Foy, one of the established 'trials' over course and distance, three weeks ago.

"I couldn't be happier with Cloth Of Stars's condition coming into the race," Fabre said.

"His preparation has been ideal and he has come on as expected from his run in the Foy," he added.

Of course, the John Gosden-trained Enable, an outstanding triple Oaks winner already this season, is attempting to become the seventh filly in the past 10 years to win the Arc. Most see her as the one to beat.

The decision not to run stablemate Cracksman has been a news topic for the past week, but there is no escaping the fact this is another high-quality running of the Arc, nevertheless, which is to be expected of Europe's most prestigious all-aged contest.

Ryan Moore's decision to ride well-credentialed Winter is significant, especially as he had a strong squad of Ballydoyle contenders to choose from.

Ulysses, the winner of the G1 Coral-Eclipse and the G1 Juddmonte International, has been a steady improver all year and his pedigree suggests the mile and a half is going to suit him admirably. His third dam, Northern Trick, was placed in the Arc.

This is another renewal rich in talent, a worthy field who appear certain to uphold the race's tradition for serving up a talented winner, maybe even a champion.

Godolphin followers may like to zoom in on the Charlie Appleby-trained Wuheida in the G1 Prix de l'Opera, one of the highlights of the undercard on Sunday. She is progressing well, according to the trainer.