French superstar Cirrus Des Aigles is one of eight declarations for Saturday's Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom, run this year in memory of St Nicholas Abbey.
The eight-year-old has been handled supremely by Corine Barande-Barbe, with his last two starts seeing him defeat two of the brightest talents Europe has to offer in the shape of Treve and Olympic Glory.
In the absence of last year's Derby hero Ruler Of The World, who was ruled out on Wednesday due to a minor setback, his sternest challenge could come from fellow French raider Flintshire.
Andre Fabre charge disappointed in last season’s Arc, but had earlier shown top form on fast ground.
Another overseas challenger is the German raider Empoli, who finished fourth in the Sheema Classic last time out.
In recent years the likes of Look Here, Midday and Ouija Board have all run well in this without winning and no filly has scored since In The Groove in 1991, which is a statistic Ralph Beckett’s Talent and Roger Varian's Ambivalent will also be aiming to defy.
Ed Dunlop's globetrotter Joshua Tree, William Haggas' Battalion and William Knight's Beacon Lady complete the field.
Cirrus Des Aigles will be kept to road and rail rather than fly into Epsom.
Despite all his travelling overseas, Barande-Barbe has decided to use the Channel Tunnel for her star.
"Cirrus Des Aigles is very well. He is leaving at 4am on Friday morning and will be travelling via the Tunnel," she said.
