Dual Oaks winner Petrushka is set to return to action the weekend after next as connections tune her up for the Breeders` Cup meeting.
Petrushka, winner of the Yorkshire Oaks last time after earlier landing the Irish equivalent, will next appear either at Newmarket or Longchamp.
First choice for her is the Prix de l`Opera over one and a quarter miles at Longchamp on Sunday week.
But trainer Sir Michael Stoute has the option of switching her to Newmarket`s Peugeot Sun Chariot Stakes - staged over one mile for the first time rather than 10 furlongs - the previous day.
The idea is to put Petrushka cherry-ripe for the Fillies` and Mares` race at the Breeders` Cup at Churchill Downs on November 4th.
'Originally we wanted to go for the Champion Stakes but Michael thought that would be too close to the Breeders` Cup meeting,' said Harry Herbert, manager of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.
'He wants to give her plenty of time to make the journey over to America.
'Instead the Prix de l`Opera looks the best option for Petrushka. But if the ground was bad in France we would switch her to Newmarket.
'She has won over seven furlongs this year so switching back to one mile wouldn`t be a problem. She would also have to give 6lb away but it would help to freshen her nicely for America.'
Petrushka is one of 27 entries confirmed today for the Group Two Sun Chariot.
Should she make the line-up, she could renew rivalry with Kalypso Katie, whom she finished behind at Epsom but well in front of at the Curragh.
Michael Tabor`s filly, off the course since finishing fifth in the Irish Oaks, was originally earmarked for a stint in California but connections instead opted to give her a break before embarking upon an autumn campaign.
The daughter of Fairy King also has the Prix de l`Opera as an alternative.
Richard Gibson is also considering the race for his star filly Lady of Chad, who looked back to her best when scooting up in the Prix d`Astarte at Deauville in July only to disappoint at the same track when finishing last of 11 in the Prix Jacques le Marois on her latest start.
The Chantilly trainer said today: 'The Sun Chariot is definitely a possible race for her.
'We are looking at that race or the Prix du Rond-Point the following day for her.
'She`s come out of her last race very well - she`s a filly and everything has to go right for her and it wasn`t right that day.
'She got taken on for the lead and maybe she wasn`t as fresh as when she had won her previous race.
'But she worked well under Gerald Mosse at the Reservoir earlier this week and she`s back in good form.'
Another intriguing entry is Godolphin`s Bintalreef, off the course since finishing last when second favourite for the Sagitta 1000 Guineas in May, who was subsequently found to have pulled a muscle.
