A total of 23 horses, including Zarkava and Duke Of Marmalade, have stood their ground for Sunday's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

The most prestigious race in the European racing calendar, it now carries a four million euros prize fund making it the richest race in the world on turf.

Alain de Royer-Dupre's Zarkava will attempt to extend her unbeaten record to seven and become the first filly since Urban Sea in 1993 to win the race.

Her most formidable opposition is likely to come from Ballydoyle with Aidan O'Brien looking to follow up Dylan Thomas' victory of 12 months ago with five-time Group One winner Duke Of Marmalade and Soldier Of Fortune.

The Coolmore battalion have also left in Septimus, Song Of Hiawatha, Red Rock Canyon, King Of Rome and King Of Westphalia.

French Derby winner Vision D'Etat retained his unbeaten record in the Prix Niel last time and will attempt to put his trainer Eric Libaud firmly on the map.

Youmzain was viewed as an unfortunate loser by many last year when he flashed home to take second and will have the assistance of Richard Hills in the saddle this year

Sir Michael Stoute's duo of Papal Bull and Ask remain as does Andre Fabre's Getaway.

Japan's Meisho Samson is still a possible and while Curlin remains among the entries, he has just been transferred to Santa Anita to prepare for a possible Breeders' Cup run.

Racing has a habit of throwing up the odd fairytale success but few would surpass a victory for Youmzain on Sunday.

His trainer Mick Channon was in August involved in a serious car accident, in which his good friend Tim Corby lost his life.

The former England international footballer is slowly recovering, but a win for Youmzain would surely speed up the process.

"I went down to see Youmzain and Mick Channon last week and both are in good form, the horse especially," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager for Youmzain's owner Jaber Abdullah.

"He worked last Sunday at Newbury when Richard Hills rode him. It wasn't spectacular work, but he does more on the track than he does on the gallops in a morning.

"Richard Hills often makes the running and wins but I wouldn't say he was a front-running jockey, I think he can ride a race from anywhere.

"Obviously Sheikh Hamdan likes his horses ridden prominently, which is probably why Richard has a reputation of riding from the front, but he's a good all-round jockey and has ridden enough big winners.

"I think he's got a very good chance on Sunday. Obviously a bit of rain would help - but Zarkava is the one to beat.

"We know where we stand with Duke Of Marmalade and Soldier Of Fortune and if you take Zarkava out, it is an open race but the draw is very important.

"It would be fantastic for Mick if he were to run well and it would certainly bring a bit of colour back into his cheeks," he told At The Races.

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