Dual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Treve could be back in competitive action sooner than anticipated.

Trainer Criquette Head-Maarek is considering a comeback in May.

The brilliant mare looked set for retirement after claiming Europe's premier middle-distance event for the second time in Paris last October.

But owner Sheikh Joaan Al Thani has brought her back into training in a bid to make her the first three-time Arc winner in history.

Connections initially targeted the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in late June as a starting point, but she now looks set to return next month after delighting her trainer this spring.

"She's in fantastic form and Criquette is seriously considering running her towards the end of May in a Group race in France," Harry Herbert, racing manager for Sheikh Joaan's Al Shaqab Racing, said.

"Physically she looks well and looks well covered and she's moving great.

"We're very hopeful we'll have another exciting season, even though there won't be many races, with everything being geared towards the Arc.

"The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is her principal Group One target for the start of her season and it could be the Vermeille and then the Arc."