Oui or non? French racegoers give their verdict on Enable's Arc chances

French turfistes are not known for their sentimentality, any more than gamblers around the world are prone to let their hearts rule their heads.

But if there is a horse who can warm such sang froid, then she might just be running at Longchamp on Sunday. On the evidence of a chilly Auteuil meeting across the Bois de Boulogne on Thursday, the chance of witnessing history might be quite the draw.

First up in the quest for what racegoers think about having Allez France and Treve overtaken by a new queen of Longchamp is the Bar Hardatit, named for a dual French Champion Hurdle winner rather than the work ethic of those burrowing for winners in the adjacent Auteuil betting hall.