Impact of Arc, International unclear

PARIS - Alain de Royer-Dupre expressed himself satisfied with Zarkava's work at Chantilly on Tuesday morning in which the 7-4 favorite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe swept past her two leaders in a serious one-mile move. Eric Libaud had the same sentiments watching Vision d'Etat worked just as well Monday morning.

The two undefeated 3-year-olds have completed their major preparations for Sunday's 1 1/2-mile Group 1 at Longchamp which may - or may not - prove to be the key Breeders' Cup Turf trial, as future plans for all of the Arc runners will not be decided until after the race.

It appears as if Aidan O'Brien will forgo Friday night's Breeders' Cup Classic trial on the Dundalk Polytrack with Duke of Marmalade. On Tuesday, he said that both Duke of Marmalade and Soldier of Fortune are being aimed at the Arc. Given the inclinations of their owners at Coolmore, it stands to reason that both must be under strong consideration for the Breeders' Cup Turf, although Duke of Marmalade could run in the Classic instead.

The Arc's final field depends very much on the going at Longchamp. On Wednesday morning, the penetrometer read 3.3, or on the good side of good to soft. Good to soft is likely Sunday, in which case Duke of Marmalade would run, but Godolphin's Schiaparelli, who likes it soft, might not.

The connections of Look Here are likely to ante up a $140,000 supplementary fee to get their English Oaks winner into the Arc. German Derby and Grosser Preis von Baden winner Kamsin also will be supplemented.

One should not underestimate Sunday's Canadian International as a key Turf prep. Doctor Dino, who was considered for last year's Turf before heading to Hong Kong instead, rates a favorite's chance at Woodbine. However, the track is ideal for Champs Elysees, whose long stride requires mild turns and a long stretch.

George Strawbridge's Lucarno has disappointed in his last two outings, but Jimmy Fortune said the horse felt better than ever after riding him in a sharp work at Newmarket on Sunday. Quijano and Mourilyan add spice to the Canadian, but their future plans may lie in Japan or Hong Kong.