Leading ante-post fancy Montjeu was yesterday reported on course for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere but two of his possible rivals look set to miss the Longchamp showpiece.

Successful in the French and Irish Derbys, the son of top stallion Sadler's Wells landed the Prix Niel over the Arc's course and distance earlier this month and his trainer John Hammond said: "I haven't done much with him over the weekend but he's fine and on course for the race."

With the ground at Longchamp currently reading 3.9 on the penetrometer (very soft) Hammond is not too concerned about the state of the going.

"I'm not worried about the ground - he goes on the soft," added the Chantilly trainer, who will be relieved to see Montjeu at the start on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Bienamado, beaten a head by Montjeu in the Prix Niel at Longchamp earlier this month, is not certain to renew rivalry with his victor it emerged yesterday.

"He's in good form but if it gets too soft then he's not a certain runner," trainer Peter ChappleHyam said. "The ground - that's the only thing. I'll wait until Wednesday before making a decision but if he runs Richard Hughes will ride."

Another who may miss Sunday's highlight in favour of a trip to New York six days later is Dream Well. Trainer Pascal Bary yesterday said of last year's French and Irish Derby winner: "Dream Well is in good shape but he is just 50-50 to run at Longchamp on Sunday and may instead go for the Turf Classic at Belmont Park on October 9th."

However, Bary confirmed that Croco Rouge will take his chance in the Arc having worked well at Chantilly yesterday morning.

Bary said: "Croco Rouge was very calm, showing me a good action and he seems to be going into this year's race in the same shape as he was when he finished fourth last year."

William Hill betting: 7-4 Montjeu, 15-8 Daylami, 9-2 El Condor Pasa, 12-1 Daryaba, 161 Croco Rouge, 16-1 High-Rise, 16-1 Tiger Hill, 20-1 Dark Moondancer, 25-1 bar.