Aidan O'Brien will hoping that his useful juvenile, Second Strike (Michael Kinane), can live up to his name in the Group Three Prix des Chenes (1m) at Longchamp tomorrow. However, the Chenes will undoubtedly be overshadowed by the three Arc trials. The Group Two Prix Niel (1m 4f) marks the eagerly awaited reappearance of the impressive French Derby winner and Arc second favourite, Peintre Celebre.

The Group Two-winning Rajpoute and Michael Bell's Ivan Luis could well follow the hotpot home in the five-runner race won last year by Helissio.

Three British hopefuls congregate in the Group One Prix Vermeille - Kaliana, Ridaiyma and Dust Dancer - . but the French Oaks winner, Vereva, misses due to injury.

Kaliana's and Dust Dancer's chances must be respected. Ridaiyma, though, is expected to be sacrificed as a pacemaker for Kaliana.

Mousse Glacee and Brilliance, the French Oaks second and third, plus the Oaks second, Gazelle Royale, look the strongest of the home team.

In the Group Three Prix Foy the Prix Maurice de Neuil winner, Surgeon, may well dominate matters.