It is quite an ask for a thoroughbred to make the big step up to Group 1 success, but when the race in question is the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the richest race in Europe, the degree of difficulty is magnified 10-fold.

The animal under the spotlight is Papal Bull, who is on course to bid for an elusive first Group 1 in Sunday's highlight at Longchamp. The five-year-old has gained a reputation as something of a quirky performer but has been in excellent form this term, kicking off with a fourth place in the Coronation Cup.

He then finished second in a Newmarket Group 2 before pushing Duke Of Marmalade all the way when a narrow runner-up in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July.

Papal Bull has since finished third in a German Group 1 but was promoted to second after the initial winner, Oriental Tiger, was disqualified for a failed drugs test.

Trainer Sir Michael Stoute has given him a break since that run at Cologne in August, and connections are hopeful their long-term plan can come to fruition. "We are booking our flights today, but I don't think it's really sunk in yet and we haven't started getting nervous," said David Stack, a member of the Papal Bull Syndicate, yesterday.

"Michael picked out the King George and the Arc for him earlier in the year and he's done the first one and is on course for the second.

"The German track just didn't suit him and Ryan Moore wasn't too hard on him once his chance had gone. "The horse Kamsin that ran second and was promoted to first has since gone on to win another Group 1, so the form isn't that bad at all."

A best-priced 25-1 for the Arc, Papal Bull has shown ability on a variety of surfaces but Stack is hoping for sound conditions in Paris. "We want goodish ground ideally, but he is a good, hardy competitor and he has run well on soft ground," he added.

"Michael is happy with him and he is an intended runner."

Before the Arc, Newmarket will host the Cheveley Park Stakes, in which Rae Guest believes the stiff six furlongs should bring out the best in Serious Attitude on Friday.

The Mtoto filly is 4-1 favourite after having been supplemented at a cost of £15,000.

Serious Attitude won a Listed contest at Salisbury last time and with the runner-up, Sneak Preview, having gone on to be placed at Group 3 level, Guest his hoping his filly can take high order.

"We are very excited about Friday. We were very pleased with her win at Salisbury and she's been very good since. We're looking forward to it," he said. "It is a step up but she was a Listed winner last time and it looks to be quite an open race.

"There are lots of fillies in there that have shown good form in Group and Listed races, but I don't think there's really a standout filly. The stiff track at Newmarket will suit her as I think she will get a lot further than six furlongs, so it should be perfect for her."

Finally, Luca Cumani's Swop and Ask The Butler feature among 67 horses left in the Cambridgeshire at the five-day confirmation stage.