One-time Epsom Derby favourite Kingsbarns is one of 19 remaining entries for the Juddmonte International at York on August 21.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt has not been seen since winning last year’s Racing Post Trophy, the nature of which saw him head into winter quarters as a strong fancy for Classic honours only to suffer a setback revealed in late March.
Exciting stablemate Darwin is another possible for Ballydoyle, together with Camelot, Magician and Declaration Of War.
Al Kazeem is the headline act, as Roger Charlton looks to land a fourth Group One success in a row on the way to a crack at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Telescope also stands his ground for Sir Michael Stoute, having run just once this year, while the William Haggas-trained Mukhadram remains in the STG750,000 ($A1.28 million) event following his course and distance win at the weekend in the York Stakes.
Irish Derby hero Trading Leather could clash with his Epsom counterpart Ruler Of The World, and the 10-furlong showpiece, won last year by the great Frankel, is still under consideration for Cirrus Des Aigles.
Quick ground at Ascot last weekend was put forward as one of the reasons for the seven-year-old gelding’s reverse in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
But Cirrus Des Aigles has taken his Ascot trip well, according to trainer Corine Barande-Barbe, and could come to York for the richest ever race staged on the Knavesmire should conditions be in his favour.
“The horse is really well – better than before the race. There are no problems with him after Saturday,” Barande-Barbe said.
