Treve Terrific in Corrida Romp at Saint-Cloud
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Two-time Arc winner Treve made an eye-catching start to her 2015 season when unleashing her patented powerful finishing kick and drawing clear to win the Prix Corrida (Fr-II) May 29 at Saint-Cloud.
The 5-year-old daughter of Motivator took her first steps toward what owner Sheikh Joaan and trainer Criquette Head-Maarek hope will be a record third victory in Europe's premier middle-distance race, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) in October at Longchamp, as she cruised to a four-length triumph over Longines Prix de l'Opera (Fr-I) winner We Are.
Settled sixth as stablemate Silvaplana set a solid tempo, Treve advanced nearing the home turn. Shaken up for her stretch run in final quarter, she snatched the lead nearing the final furlong and the put the race away in a few forceful strides.
We Are seized second from Mayhem in the final strides, besting that rival by a short head in the eight-horse field.
Final time was 2:12.99 for 2,100 meters (about 1 5/16 miles) on good turf.
Head-Maarek told Racing Post that she was delighted with Treve's performance.
"I was pleased to see the pacemaker set a decent pace and she still has that amazing turn of foot," she said.
Head-Maarek said Treve's next target is the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-I) June 28, and if all goes according to plan, the mare will prep for the Arc in the Prix Vermeille (Fr-I).
Treve defeated Orfevre in winning the 2013 Arc and returned in 2014 edition to beat Flintshire by two lengths. Plans called for her subsequent retirement and mating with Dubawi, but Sheikh Joaan decided to keep her in training with an eye toward an unprecedented third Arc win.