HARRY HERBERT reported Frankie Dettori to be ‘‘seriously excited’’ after partnering brilliant filly Treve in a workout at Chantilly yesterday.

Criquette Head-Maarek’s unbeaten stable star was a scintillating winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October and is due to return to Paris for her eagerly- anticipated four-year-old debut in the Prix Ganay on April 27.

Dettori, who missed the Arc through injury, travelled to Head-Maarek’s base to put the finishing touches to Treve yesterday and Herbert, racing manager to owner Shiekh Joaan Al Thani, is thrilled with the progress the filly has made.

Herbert said: ‘‘Frankie was seriously excited and everyone is confident she has progressed very well through the winter.

‘‘She is a much stronger and deeper filly now and seems in very good form at the moment, so let’s hope things stay that way.’’ Meanwhile, a mouthwatering clash with Treve or a trip to Hong Kong are the two options under consideration for Cirrus Des Aigles.

Despite being a veteran in Flat racing terms at the age of eight, the Corine Barande-Barbetrained gelding showed he retains most if not all of his considerable talent when finishing second behind Japanese mare Gentildonna in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan last month.

Barande-Barbe has been delighted with her pride and joy since he returned to France and is now weighing up whether to tackle Treve in the Prix Ganay or head to the Far East for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

‘‘He is perfect since he returned back from Dubai,’’ said the trainer. ‘‘We are deciding whether to run next in the Prix Ganay or go to Hong Kong for the QEII Cup, which is over a mile and a quarter.

“We’ll probably make a decision next week.’’ Wherever Cirrus Des Aigles make his next appearance, Barande-Barbe anticipates bringing him back to England at some stage this year.

She said: ‘‘He will be entered in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and he is also entered in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. We will see what happens on his next run and then make plans.’’

  • King Of The Picts will chart a route towards the Punchestown Festival following his pleasing performance at Aintree.

Pat Shanahan’s consistent five-year-old put the gloss on a satisfying campaign when taking third place behind Josses Hill in the Grade Two Top Novices’ Hurdle on Merseyside.

King Of The Picts will try his luck back at the top table in the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle on April 29.

Shanahan said: ‘‘I was very pleased with him in Liverpool.

‘‘He’s been knocking on the door in good races all season and he’s due to win a big one.”