Godolphin's Sakhee headed a group of 19 horses to stand their ground for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe-Lucien Barriere at the first forfeit stage yesterday morning.

Sakhee, hugely-impressive winner of the Juddmonte International Stakes in August, was only given the go-ahead - providing the ground is not heavy - for the Longchamp showpiece by owner Hamdan Al Maktoum on Saturday.

Ladbrokes make last year's Vodafone Derby runner-up their 2 to 1 favourite.

Sheikh Mohammed's operation have also left in Ekraar, who has an alternative engagement in Saturday's Prix Dollar, and Wareed.

Aidan O'Brien was doubly represented with Rothmans Royals St Leger hero Milan, as well as Shoal Creek, who could act as pacemaker for his fancied stablemate.

Other leading contenders still in the 12-furlong Paris feature include Michael Stoute's Sagitta 2000 Guineas winner Golan, Elie Lellouche's unbeaten filly Aquarelliste, and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes third Hightori.

Golan, Aquarelliste and Hightori all won their respective trials for the Arc at Longchamp on September 16th, with Golan bouncing back to form in the Prix Niel, which has produced the last six winners of Sunday's race.

Stoute could also be two-handed as the Newmarket trainer has left in Little Rock.

There is a supplementary stage on Thursday, when Andre Fabre is expected to add Diamilina, whose four-race winning streak was ended by Aquarelliste in the Prix Vermeille.

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: Anzillero, Chimes At Midnight, Dano Mast, Ekraar, Hightori, Holding Court, Little Rock, Sakhee, Shoal Creek, Egyptband, Honorifique, Anabaa Blue, Golan, Hill Country, Milan, Sagacity, Wareed, Aquarelliste, Mare Nostrum.

Jim And Tonic, Francois Doumen's successful globetrotter, is one of 19 acceptors in the Group Two Prix Dollar at Longchamp on Saturday. The winner of four big prizes in the Far and Middle East, also has the option of tackling the Group Two Prix du Rond-Point over a mile on the same card.