HELISSIO, the Arc de Triomphe favourite, has been the subject of a Japanese offer believed to be in the region of $8 million. So far, the colt's Spanish owner, Enrique Sarasola, has given the offer the thumbs down.
Trainer, Elie Lellouche, professed himself delighted with Helissio's work at Chantilly on Monday, adding that the objective of keeping the colt ticking over nicely had been achieved.
Classic Cliche still remains Frankie Dettori's likely Arc mount after yesterday's first forfeit stage in which the Ascot Gold Cup winner remained one of 29 left in Sunday's big race.
Dettori confirmed that he would switch to John Gosden's Tamure, currently languishing at around 33-1, if Classic Cliche becomes an absentee.
Dermot Weld is planning on being represented by his impressive Irish Derby winner, Zagreb. Speaking from Newmarket, Michael Kinane planted some doubts in the minds of punters regarding Zagreb. "It's a slight worry that he goes without a prep race and with a lack of experience, but the state of the ground has been the reason we haven't been able to get a run into him."
Irish acceptors on Saturday's Longchamp card included Aidan O'Brien's Theatreworld (Prix du Cadran), plus John Oxx's Zafzala and John Hayden's Priolina in the Prix de Royallieu.
