Connections of Ectot and Avenir Certain remain unconcerned by ground conditions at Longchamp as Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe draws ever closer.

Treve’s already perilous grip on Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe favouritism was firmly loosened at Longchamp yesterday as Criquette Head-Maarek’s star could finish only fourth in the Prix Vermeille.