The four-week season reaches its zenith here over the weekend when tomorrow's Prix Jacques le Marois, a group one test for milers, is complemented by the four-day Arcana yearling sale that will illustrate the impact of the stark economic climate on similar auctions imminent in England and Ireland.

Breeders were plainly anxious ahead of the sale, which got underway yesterday. Nerves were soothed at the sight of the Maktoums' private plane, which landed yesterday morning. And on the racing front, all eyes will gravitate towards the Prix Jacques le Marois, in which the Richard Hannon-trained Major Cadeaux is opposed by a strong domestic contingent.

Foremost among them is Natagora. The 1,000 Guineas winner will be ridden for the first time by the Japanese ace, Yutaka Take, after the filly's regular rider, Christophe Lemaire, was claimed to ride Arcadia's Angle for the Niarchos family, which sponsors this valuable race down Deauville's straight mile.

Pascal Bary, who trains Natagora, expects her to improve for her outing over course and distance two weeks ago. The front-running grey finished third on that occasion but faces a tougher assignment in a race that features two pacemakers - one each for Sageburg and Tamayuz.

Tamayuz is trained by Freddie Head, who landed both group one races here this season. “He couldn't be better,” Head said. “My only worry is that the ground is going to be on the soft side and the forecast is for some rain on Saturday and Sunday.”

The Jacques le Marois is an important stop along the road that will determine the champion miler at the season's close. And with Henrythenavigator sitting out the event, his connections will be hoping that Major Cadeaux, who was beaten by the Ballydoyle colt at Goodwood last month, franks that form by going close.

The straight mile at this course will test Major Cadeaux's stamina, but he should revel on the easy surface. “We were delighted with his run at Goodwood and he should improve a good bit for that,” Hannon said.