Rain in Paris has pleased connections of Treve ahead of her bid to retain her Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe crown at Longchamp on Sunday.

The Criquette Head-Maarek-trained filly was an impressive winner of Europe's premier middle-distance prize last October, but has had her fair share of problems since and has yet to hit the heights in any of her three starts this year.

However, she is reported to have done everything right since her latest run in the Prix Vermeille, when fourth to Baltic Baroness.

"Treve is in good form. They had rain in Paris today, so the more of that the better as far as making it good or on the easier side of good, which would suit her best," Harry Herbert, manager to owners Al Shaqab Racing, said.

"They have had a little bit of rain and it all helps, but Criquette reports her to be very well and fingers crossed we're nearly there.

"There's no way I've lost faith in her. If she gets her ground and she will have needed the run last time as well - hopefully she will go to the Arc spot on."

Al Shaqab have an equally strong contender as part-owners in the Elie Lellouche-trained Ectot who burst into the picture with a solid performance to win the Prix Niel on his first try at a mile and a half (2400m) after a five-month lay-off.

"Ectot worked this morning and did it very nicely. It was his last gentle piece before the weekend," Herbert said.

Connections of German challenger Ivanhowe issued a positive bulletin about the well-being of the four-year-old colt, who arrived in France last week.

The son of Soldier Hollow claimed the not inconsiderable scalp of Sea The Moon at Baden-Baden earlier this month when he surged three lengths clear in the Grosser Preis von Baden.

English filly Taghrooda remains favourite with most bookmakers who have her at 9-2 ahead of Ectot at 5-1 and Avenir Certain a point longer.