WE have been here before. Very recently too. In 2015 the excitement surrounding Treve’s attempt to land an unprecedented third Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was at fever pitch. Buildings in Paris were lit up at night, and the city was bedecked with flags and banners in anticipation.

Perhaps the local hype will be less evident this weekend, but the anticipation will be just as great. Eight horses have won the coveted prize twice, and Khalid Abdullah’s homebred Enable is seeking a piece of racing history. It will not be easily earned, even in the smallest field assembled for the race in recent years.