Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden begins his new campaign in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
Trainer Mikel Delzangles is keen to test the six-year-old against Europe’s best mile-and-a-half (2400m) horses this season.
Dunaden enjoyed a spectacular end to 2011, winning the Geelong Cup and the Melbourne Cup in Australia before dropping back in distance to land the Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin.
“He is in very good form and has had a nice, long break after his winter campaign,” Delzangles said.
“I am looking forward to seeing him run again. I’m not sure what the field will be like, but I imagine it will be a strong race.
“We want to learn more about him.”
The French trainer will rely on outsider Hermival as he bids to win the 2000 Guineas at the Newmarket meeting.
Delzangles saddled 33-1 shot Makfi to win the British Classic two years ago and Hermival is available at the same odds.
Makfi warmed up for his trip to Headquarters by winning the Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte and Hermival was not disgraced in finishing third in the same Group Three contest at the start of this month.
“I was happy with his run at Maisons-Laffitte and I think he has improved a lot for that, so we are looking forward to running him,” Delzangles said.
“It is too early to compare with him Makfi. It is very difficult.
“But he is in good form and he won’t mind if the ground is soft.”
