THE Arc was very far from the only high level drama over the two days at ParisLongchamp. From a form and timing point of view, some of the group races were more satisfactory than others.

For instance, the Prix de l’Opera later on the Sunday card was remarkably well run, with all of the principals very close to par and none of them meriting a sectional upgrade. Wild Illusion emerged victorious with a 117 timefigure from Magic Wand and Homerique both on 115.