FRANKIE DETTORI believes unbeaten Arc heroine Treve may have improved again over the winter.
Dettori was in Chantilly on Tuesday morning to ride Treve in her most serious piece of work to date as trainer Criquette Head-Maarek builds the daughter of Motivator up in preparation for her comeback in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp on April 27.
Head-Maarek asked Dettori to push some serious buttons for the first time this spring and Treve responded in brilliant fashion on the Les Aigles round gallop, putting serious daylight between herself and her galloping companions in a matter of strides.
Treve: could run in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot
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Dettori had sat on the filly three weeks ago and said there was noticeable improvement.
Comparing Treve to last autumn, when he partnered her to victory in the Prix Vermeille before being ruled out of the Arc with a fractured ankle, Dettori said: "She's mature and physically stronger. She's also content and isn't so hot at the start of her gallop, which means she's got a better kick. If I say that she's better than last year you'll think I'm crazy."
Head-Maarek and owner Sheikh Joaan Al Thani have mapped out a light campaign for Treve with a view to defending her Arc crown in October.
If all goes well in the Ganay, British racegoers will get a first chance to see Treve in action in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot.
Scott Burton catches up with Frankie Dettori and Treve as she gets ready for her comeback - read more in Wednesday's Racing Post