Ebadiyla heads foreign legion

A predominantly foreign field in the Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday remains a distinct possibility following the publication of the first acceptance stage yesterday.

John Oxx's Ebadiyla was among 11 foreign acceptors from an original entry of 135.

Just six of the 17 remaining enter the home-trained category, including Pascal Bary's French Derby 1-2 Dream Well and Croco Rouge.

Dream Well worked well yesterday at Chantilly, although Bary is inclined to favour Croco Rouge on this occasion.

He said: "I thought Croco Rouge was our main hope in the French Derby but Dream Well proved us wrong. If pushed, I would side again with Croco Rouge again on this occasion, although I don't think there is much between the pair."

Andre Fabre has confirmed that he will be doubly represented by the unbeaten Prix Niel winner Sagamix and the Grand Prix de Paris winner Limpid.

Fragrant Mix was also a Fabre acceptor but he may yet take up an alternative American option.

Limpid will need to be supplemented tomorrow at a cost of £40,404 in order to run.

The other home acceptors are the French Oaks winner, Zainta, who surrendered her unbeaten record in the Prix Vermeille, and Amal Dancer.

Simon Crisford, the Godolphin's spokesman, confirmed that Sea Wave will bid to redeem his reputation after the Prix Niel disaster by also being supplemented.

John Dunlop's mud-loving Prix Vermeille winner, Leggera, may also be supplemented tomorrow after working well yesterday at Arundel.

Luca Cumani's Derby hero, High-Rise, unraced since finishing second to Swain in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, is Britain's top hope.

Paul Cole has confirmed the presence of Posidonas (ninth last year) with Pat Eddery up. The stable have also left in Courteous.

Venetia Williams is also expected to run French acquisition and likely outsider, Stretarez.

Shantou, the 1996 St Leger winner, rounds off the British acceptors.

Also standing their ground were the high class American mare, Maxzene, and the German group one winners, Tiger Hill and Caitano.

Arc De Triomphe Acceptors: Shantou, Posidonas, Daylami, Happy Valentine, Fragrant Mix, Caitano, Stretarez, Ebadiyla, Maxzene, Amal Dancer, High-Rise, Sagamix, Dream Well, Croco Rouge, Courteous, Tiger Hill, Zainta.