Zarkava and Duke on for Arc clash

PARIS.

Crack French filly Zarkava and Irish star Duke of Marmalade remained on course to clash on Sunday in Europe's most prestigious horse race, the four million euros Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Zarkava, who is bidding to become the first filly since Urban Sea in 1993 to win the Arc, is unbeaten in six starts including three Group Ones this year, including the French 1000 Guineas.

Duke of Marmalade, who is endeavouring to give trainer Aidan O'Brien his second successive win in the race after Dylan Thomas' victory last year, is on a run of five successive Group One wins.

O'Brien - who has 20 Group One wins this season and is chasing the world record of 25 by American trainer Bobby Frankel - has 2007 Irish Derby winner and last year's Arc fifth Soldier of Fortune as well as Irish St Leger victor Septimus.

There are also high hopes for Youmzain, whose trainer was injured in a car crash in August.