If recent history is against Zarkava, the weather gods are on her side. They also abetted Akiyda, the last three-year-old filly to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 26 years ago. The common link between them is their owner-breeder, the Aga Khan.

Just as heavy ground complemented Akiyda’s stamina, quick going at Longchamp will play to Zarkava’s strengths. To see her tackle her elders for the first time on Sunday is a prospect fraught with emotion. Victory is imperative. Conditions dictate that there can be no excuse for the imperious, unbeaten filly.

It will not be easy. It never is in the Arc, a race that devours reputations. Yet Zarkava does not trade on reputation alone. Her hallmark acceleration has swept aside allcomers, none of which has managed to stay within two lengths of her at the finish. A similar denouement on Sunday would leave a legacy unmatched by any other filly to this observer of 30 years.

John Gosden made a fair point after Raven’s Pass’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes victory when he described the three-year-old milers as a vintage collection. They have won every all-aged mile race in Europe, although none has been dominant. As proud as he was on Saturday, even Gosden might concede that Zarkava would have ruled that roost. She has instead ruled all roosts between eight and 12 furlongs. And she has done so for fun.

Now she must do it once again, against the strongest opposition she has faced. The irony is that the recent dry spell renders the Arc harder to win for the presence of Duke Of Marmalade. But that’s just as it should be. Duke Of Marmalade has his own agenda: a sixth successive group one triumph that would demand his own inclusion in the hall of fame.

Somehow, however, victory for him would be more rump steak than fillet. Fulfilling but not mouth-watering. Duke Of Marmalade is a fearsome galloper propelled by giant lungs. The difference is in the twin towers of greatness: Zarkava was born with what Duke Of Marmalade has acquired along the way.

Duke Of Marmalade is by some distance the main threat to Zarkava. His stablemate, Soldier Of Fortune, has not run for more than three months, having by accident or design missed a couple of mooted prep races. He would also fare better on easy ground, a remark that applies to Getaway, Vision D’Etat and Youmzain. Then you are into the rags.

Among their number are Meisho Samson, the Japanese challenger, who has not won for 11 months, and Papal Bull, for whom victory, despite his undeniable ability, would mock the concept of the Arc as a championship decider. No, the outcome rests between Duke Of Marmalade and Zarkava. Anything less would be hard to swallow.

This polar scenario - think Denman and Kauto Star - projects racing at its best. It can prompt a switch of allegiance in the blink of an eye, and can ruthlessly break hearts. One acquaintance, a staunch Raven’s Pass fan at the start of the season, grew to love his nemesis, Henrythenavigator. Consequently, the former’s defeat of the latter on Saturday prompted very mixed feelings.

As for the Arc itself, a similar interest must be declared. Throughout last season, and for some intangible reason, it seemed to this eye that Duke Of Marmadale was a far better racehorse than the sum of his parts. Vindication arrived with a vengeance this season: the Duke was simply mustard.

Then Zarkava came sweeping down the outside in that magical Prix Vermeille, her jockey unexerted, her flanks yet to feel the urgent sting of the whip. And in that moment, allegiance transferred. It was utter and total seduction. So go, Duke, run your heart out one more time. Give it your best shot yet; but don’t you dare defeat Zarkava.
(Source: Times)