Dubai: Trainer John Gosden is relishing the prospect of challenging for a first Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), Europe’s most prestigious horse race, following the uplifting piece of work his star filly Taghrooda delivered last week.

The dazzling winner of the Epsom Oaks (G1) and King George (G1), Taghrooda suffered her first defeat when beaten half a length by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Tapestry in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks (G1) at York’s Ebor festival.

However, the Shadwell-bred daughter of Sea The Stars, demonstrated her readiness to bounce back to form with a sparkling blow-out at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile under race rider Paul Hanagan, boosting her connections hopes heading to Sunday’s showpiece at Longchamp, France.

Angus Gold, Racing Manager to the filly’s owner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, was impressed with what he saw and told Sportinglife. “Touch-wood, it went well. She looked good, moved well and seemed enthusiastic, so it’s so far, so good.

“We hoped to see that she had retained her enthusiasm at this stage of the season and Paul Hanagan was very happy. He said she took him to join the lead horse, went three lengths clear and pulled herself up so the outward signs are encouraging although you never can tell at this time of year.

“She’ll have another gallop. I don’t know when, it will be up to John. The main thing was she seemed enthusiastic and Paul was delighted with her.”

Taghrood faces 19 rivals in the 2,400-metre contest which carries a rich purse of €5 million (Dh 23.22 million).

Among them are St Leger scorer Kingston Hill, unbeaten French filly Avenir Certain, Dubai Duty Free sensation Just A Way and Japanese Classic winner Harp Star.

Assessing Taghrooda’s prospects Gosden said earlier in the week: “She’s in good form and came screaming into season the day after York, although I’m not making excuses.

It’s an open race this year with the Prix Diane winner (Avenir Certain) looking very nice and the Japanese horses exciting.

“She handles any ground around good — not very soft and certainly not like a road. She’s not over-raced and I think being a three-year-old filly is a big factor, although Just A Way could be exceptional if he stays,” he said in the Yorkshire Post.

Free Eagle and Australia were the conspicuous absentees following Tuesday’s first forfeit stage.

Aidan O’Brien, looking for a second Arc after Dylan Thomas’ win in 2007 is represented by 2013 Derby hero Ruler Of The World and Chicquita.

Defending champion Treve completed her preparations under Thierry Jarnet and trainer Criquette Head-Maarek said afterwards: “Thierry was very pleased with her. She worked 2,200 metres [1m3f] so a little further than before. She is coming on very well because before the Vermeille she was rusty.”

Ectot is the second French entry while Ivanowe is set to represent Germany.