Australia, Cirrus Des Aigles and Taghrooda feature among a stellar list of 37 entries for the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October.
With a total prize fund of STG1.3 million ($A2.37 million), the prestigious event is the richest mile-and-a quarter race in Europe.
Cirrus Des Aigles is set for his fourth appearance in the Group One contest, having claimed victory in 2011 and chased home Frankel and Farhh respectively in the last two renewals.
Corine Barande-Barbe’s stable star has not been seen in competitive action since suffering an injury when winning the Coronation Cup at Epsom in early June, but is on the road to recovery.
“Cirrus des Aigles is fine, he has recovered well from the injury that he sustained at Epsom on Derby Day, demonstrating his usual courage,” said the trainer.
“He has come back into training and we are just starting to work him again, although we are doing everything very slowly and taking our time with him.
“I would like to get him back for the Prix Dollar at Longchamp on the day before the Arc and if everything goes well there, it would be great to run him in the Champion Stakes for a fourth time.”
Dual Derby hero Australia and Oaks and King George heroine Taghrooda would be major contenders if lining up on October 18.
Others to catch the eye include Dubai World Cup victor African Story, multiple Group One winner Al Kazeem and Eclipse winner Mukhadram.
