'I’ve put everything I’ve learned into his preparation for this' - the best quotes from the racing world in the lead-up to the Arc

The build-up to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is almost over, with the big race at Longchamp (3.05) taking place on Sunday. Here is a selection of the best quotes in the lead-up to the famous contest . . .

I think Monsieur Fabre was happy with what he saw there and, certainly from what I felt, with the horse winning the way he did, he's probably improving at the right time of the year. I think it's an obvious step.

William Buick was impressed by the win of the Godolphin-owned and Andre Fabre-trained Cualificar in the Prix Niel

'He's improving at the right time of the year' - William Buick sweet on latest Fabre Arc project Cualificar after Niel success  

If soft ground can eke out a little bit more improvement we'd be hopeful she can be very competitive. The only negative is that she hasn't won a race this year, but she's run huge races, so let's hope she's saving it up for the first weekend in October.

Juddmonte's Barry Mahon is hopeful that Kalpana can produce her best performance in the Arc

'We hope she can be very competitive' - Arc still on the agenda for leading British contender Kalpana despite Kempton defeat 

Giavellotto beat Kalpana in the September Stakes and both take their chance in the ArcCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

It's probably the best race in Europe and he's taking on the best mile-and-a-half horses, but we have an older horse who is thriving and he showed in Hong Kong that a big field doesn't affect him.

Marco Botti has rolled the dice with Giavellotto after his September Stakes win over Kalpana, with the Hong Kong-based Andrea Atzeni booked to ride

Andrea Atzeni to make sensational European return on thriving Arc contender as Longchamp conditions come right 

It's a very important weekend and one of the most important races in the world, so the exposure is a lot higher, but this year I feel more detached from the media attention and we're going into the race calmly. The emotions are a lot different this year.

Christophe Ferland has quiet confidence about his leading Arc contender Aventure

'The emotions are a lot different this year' - bigger and stronger Aventure primed to go one better in the Arc 

They've really targeted the race and I've been booked to ride him since Royal Ascot. I'm really hopeful. I don't think there are any question marks, really. He's going to be ridden quiet no matter what and he has a good turn of foot. There's lots in his favour.

Oisin Murphy feels Japanese hope Byzantine Dream has the right credentials for the Arc

'I've been booked to ride him since Royal Ascot' - Oisin Murphy confident of making Arc history on Byzantine Dream for Japan 

Minnie Hauk: leading Arc contender for Aidan O'BrienCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

With a three-year-old filly they can progress into another gear at this time of year. They’re slowly turning into four-year-olds so it’s going to be interesting. We’re as fascinated as everyone else to see which way it falls.

Aidan O'Brien is hoping his Oaks ace Minnie Hauk can take her form to the next level at Longchamp

'She can go up another gear' - Minnie Hauk hardens as Arc favourite after Aidan O'Brien gives star filly green light 

She wasn't at 100 per cent in the Prix Vermeille and Aventure was very tough to beat that day as it was a big objective for her. It was the perfect comeback to encourage us to give the Arc a crack.

Francis Graffard expects Gezora, the mount of Tom Marquand, to take a big step forward for her recent runner-up effort behind Aventure

'She was unbelievable in the Diane' - Francis Graffard calls up Tom Marquand for Arc ride and has high hopes for his trio 

I would like to demonstrate all that I have learned and how much I’ve grown in the four years since I was last here. I’ve put everything I’ve learned into the preparation of Croix Du Nord and I’m confident in his ability.

Trainer Takashi Saito feels he learned plenty from running Chrono Genesis in the race four years ago and returns with Japanese Derby winner Croix Du Nord

Croix Du Nord's trainer unconcerned about relative inexperience as he bids to end Japan's quest for a first Arc 

Read more on the Arc . . .

Confirmed runners and riders for the 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp - plus the draw is revealed 

Here are the big winners and losers from the Arc draw - and it's a shocker for two of Japan's leading hopes 

'When we were winning Arcs we had 250 horses, now it's 20 - but give me a Group 3 horse and I'll win a Group 1, I'll show you'   

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