HAD it not been for Enable, Aidan O’Brien would have completed an unprecedented classic clean sweep in both Ireland and Britain this year and once again John Gosden’s filly stands in the Irish trainer’s way at Chantilly next Sunday, when O’Brien aims to win a third Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

The dual Oaks winner has been rock-solid at the top of the market for Europe’s premier 12-furlong event and will aim to make significant use of her age and sex weight allowances, as she did in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July.

It was there she beat, amongst others, Highland Reel who, with Order Of St George, is set to head back to Chantilly for a second crack at the Arc.

The aforementioned pair finished second and third respectively behind former stable companion Found in the race last season. They could also be joined by as stablemates Capri (last week’s St Leger winner) and Winter, already a four-time Group 1 winner this season.

The Ballydoyle handler said: “The Arc is definitely something we’re thinking about for Winter. I’m not saying it’s definite she’ll run, but it’s certainly under strong consideration.

“I was delighted with the way she ran at Leopardstown, especially when you take into account she missed seven or eight days after Goodwood.

“With regards to the trip there’s speed on her dam’s side but we all know the stamina that Galileo inputs.”

Elsewhere, a decision has yet to be made on the participation of Enable’s stablemate Cracksman, who worked with Enable at a Newmarket open day on Sunday.

Sir Michael Stoute’s Ulysses, who it was announced yesterday will be retired to Cheveley Park Stud at the end of the season, is a more certain runner at Chantilly. The Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International winner was well beaten by Enable when the pair met in the King George, but connections are keen for a rematch and also still intend to run in the Breeders’ Cup Turf as well.

The home challenge is not looking particularly strong, with Zarak, whose dam Zarkava won the Arc in 2008, and Brametot, the most prominent in the betting, each at around the 16/1 mark. Dschingis Secret is set to represent Germany. He won the Prix Foy in good style for trainer Markus Klug. Japan’s quest for an Arc winner took a blow in that race when Satono Diamond could only manage fourth in that trial. However, trainer Yasutoshi Ikee is still keen to let the dual Grade 1 winner take his chance.