Verry Elleegant among big names in danger of missing cut in oversubscribed Arc

Connections of star mare Verry Elleegant face an anxious few days after it was revealed the 11-time Group 1 winner is one of several horses being aimed at Sunday's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (3.05) who could be balloted out.

The usual limit for the Arc field of 20 may be exceeded for the first time since 1993 after 27 horses were left in the race following Monday's first forfeit stage. Should Verry Elleegant – who is due to be supplemented at a cost of €120,000 on Wednesday – be added that would rise to 28.

The procedure currently in place for more than 20 being declared on Thursday is for the French handicapper to eliminate from the bottom of the ratings first and Verry Elleegant, as well as Prix de Diane runner-up La Parisienne and the Ed and Simon Crisford-trained West Wind Blows, are all currently outside the top 20 left in the race.