By Chris Hoover/Paris

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani owned Tabarak (two) and Muntasar (five) were drawn favourably for the Qatar Arabian World Cup to be held at the Longchamp racecourse in Paris tomorrow.

Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli drew the lots to decide the starting gates for the 14 contenders for the euros 700,000 event, which is the premier race for Group I Pure Arabian horses from across the world.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani owned Al Mamun Monlau was drawn 12, while Al Shahania Stud’s Mkeefa (4), Areej (6) and Rathowan (9) were also drawn well to essay a strong challenge. Umm Qarn’s other contender Farraaha was drawn on the outside in gate 11.

The other international challengers were drawn Mushrae  (10), Boum De Ghazal (7), Djet Taouy (8), Ameretto (14), Poulain Kossack (3), Gharraa (1) and Vulcan Du Clos (13).

The Qatar Arabian World Cup will be held on the same card as the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which ultimately puts Arabian racing on the world map.

Qatar has dominated in the previous four editions of the race. After General won it twice in 2009 and 2010, Al Shahania Stud’s Areef and Mkeefa continued the winning trend with smashing victories in 2011 and 2012. Qatari owners will be hoping to win it for the fifth time. With seven notable contenders in the fray, it could well be another victorious outing for Qatar.

With other international challengers also coming into the race with huge reputations, the most prestigious Purebred Arabian horse race in the world is bound to produce thrilling moments for the spectators at the Longchamp racecourse on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Orfevre was cut for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after getting a seemingly positive draw in stall eight for tomorrow’s Group 1 race.

The Japanese raider was the second name to be drawn and representatives drew a stall which has been perceived to be a good thing.

The other leading fancy Treve was allotted stall 15 in the 18 runner field. Al Kazeem looks to have the most difficult task, racing from stall 18, while the Aidan O’Brien-trained pair of Ruler Of The World and Leading Light will race from stalls six and five respectively.

Other leading fancies Flintshire will race from stall seven, Intello nine and Novellist 12.

The Fugue was the only one taken out at the final declaration stage.