That makes her the joint best filly/mare in the past 20 years, according to racing’s top ratings organisation. And they believe that she has the ability to become the best.

Allez France (1974) and Habibti (1983) have recorded the best female performances in the past 40 years, posting a ratingof 136, and Sunday’scomfortable two-length defeat of Youmzain sees Zarkava ranked on a par  with Miesque and Indian Skimmer, who peaked in 1988.

Dahlia, Pebbles (both 135) and Petite Etoile and All Along (134) have also posted top class efforts.

The weekend win is seen as 7lb better than that of the last filly to win the Arc, Urban Sea in 1993. She came off best in a bunched finish to what was considered a below-par renewal. “Provisionally, we have her on 133,” said Timeform whizz kid Simon Walker. “Her basic rating for winning the Arc was 131 but she has been credited with an extra 2lb for the style of her success and the fact that she didn't havean entirely trouble-free passage.

“She is undoubtedly one of the best fillies in recent memory and has the potential to be the best.”

Timeform’s view was endorsed by retired Daily Express racing legend Sir Peter O’Sullevan.

“I thought she was absolutely brilliant,” said the former commentator. “How could you think anything else? She’s right up there with the top ones.

“I’m not very keen on comparisons on the different generations, but Zarkava’s was a marvellous performance.