Triple Group One winner Cirrus Des Aigles will not run in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next Saturday.
French trainer Corine Barande-Barbe feels the three-time Group One winner could be overwhelmed against the likes of Nathaniel and Snow Fairy on what would be his first start since May.
The six-year-old gelding will instead race in his homeland as he builds towards a clash with Frankel in his defence of the Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 20.
“He will not run in Ireland,” Barande-Barbe said,
“The Irish Champion looks like it will be a very good race and it might be too much for him. He has been off for a long time.
“He is very well and we are very happy with him, but we will prepare for Ascot in France.
“He could run in La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte, or there is also the Prix Dollar a day before the Arc.
“He finished second in that race (Prix Dollar) last year and it could fit well.
“The English Champion is the big plan.”
