Ciro laid down his credentials for a possible tilt at the Vodafone Derby with a convincing victory at Longchamp today.
The Irish raider earned a quote of 16-1 from Ladbrokes after his three-quarters of a length success in the Group One Prix Lupin.
Ciro, sent off a 7-1 chance, was in the front rank for most of the way then struck the front with two furlongs to travel. Michael Kinane kept him up to his work to hold off hold off hot favorite Kutub with Rhenium third.
Godolphin's River's Curtain led until three furlongs out before fading into sixth.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien said: 'My horse has improved a lot at home and the ground today was a big help.
'He's effective at this trip of just over 10 furlongs, but I'm sure 12 furlongs wouldn't be a problem.'
Plans for Ciro are still uncertain and there is a possibility he might miss Epsom in preference for a tilt at the Prix du Jockey-Club at Chantilly with Aristotle becoming the Ballydoyle stable's first choice.
