Aidan O`Brien is set to send a four-strong team for the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket tomorrow.
But although the Ballydoyle trainer has whittled his 10 five-day acceptors down to four runners at the final declaration stage, connections are still not sure which of the quartet is their standard bearer with stable jockey Michael Kinane still undecided on his chosen ride.
The foursome appears to be headed by Heinz 57 Stakes and Middle Park Stakes winner Minardi, who is joined by stablemates Cashel Palace, Freud and Mozart.
O`Brien said: 'At the moment the ground will suit every horse - it`s probably on the dead side of good. But I don`t think any of them will like it soft.
'If I was Michael I wouldn`t make my mind up until today which one I was going to ride. He doesn`t need to decide until 1pm.'
Champagne Stakes winner Noverre will represent Godolphin`s Evry operation, while the Mick Channon-trained Tobougg, winner of the Prix de la Salamandre last time, heads the home defence in the 11-runner race.
Montjeu will face 14 rivals as he attempts to banish the memory of his Prix de l`Arc de Triomphe flop in the Dubai Champion Stakes at Newmarket.
John Hammond`s charge, only fourth behind Sinndar at Longchamp last time, was among 15 horses who stood their ground for the £400,000 contest, the biggest field for the race since 1984.
All the leading fancies are set to take on Montjeu including the Sir Michael Stoute-trained pair Greek Dance and Kalanisi and Henry Cecil`s duo Shiva and Love Divine.
Indian Lodge and Holding Court, who hold alternative engagements in France on Sunday, both miss the race.
Indian Lodge, victorious in the Prix du Moulin on his last visit to France, will take his chance in the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp.
Trainer Amanda Perrett said: 'He goes to France on Sunday.
'The owner wanted to go to there and we felt, for a combination of factors, it was the most suitable race for the horse.'
French Derby winner Holding Court will run in the Prix du Conseil de Paris on the same card.
A spokesman for trainer Michael Jarvis said: 'It was decided after they looked at the forfeits for the French race.
'The owner (John Good) also has Tomba who is going for the Prix de la Foret rather than the Challenge Stakes.'
Trainer Barry Hills believes conditions at Newmarket should be all right for his Champion Stakes hope Distant Music.
Hills said: 'The ground shouldn`t be too bad. It is loose and after all they`ve all got to go through it.
'Regarding the distance I don`t think that will be a problem for my horse.'
Pat Smullen, currently leading the race for the Irish jockeys` title, takes the ride on Greek Dance, with Johnny Murtagh having switched to Kalanisi.
As expected, the Aidan O`Brien-trained Giant`s Causeway sidesteps the 10-furlong event and instead will gallop at Southwell racecourse tomorrow in preparation for the Breeders` Cup.
Dubai Champion Stakes latest odds:
William Hill bet: 5-4 Montjeu, 9-2 Love Divine, 5-1 Kalanisi, 6-1 Greek Dance, 8-1 Shiva, 10-1 Indian Danehill, 20-1 Slickly, 25-1 Distant Music, 66-1 Alshakr, Barathea Guest, Border Arrow, Compton Bolter, 100-1 Almushtarak, Gold Academy, 200-1 Lermontov.
