Racing was today looking forward to a Curragh showdown of the Epsom and French Derby winners for only the fourth time in the past 20 years.
Sunday fortnight's Budweiser Irish Derby has been announced as the target for Saturday's Vodafone Derby victor Sinndar.
And Holding Court, successful in the Prix du Jockey-Club (French Derby) at Chantilly six days previously, was this morning reported an intended runner in the big race.
Trainer Michael Jarvis had been mulling over options for soft-ground specialist Holding Court, who would have to be supplemented to the Irish race at a cost of £85,000.
But he revealed in the Racing Post: "At this stage Holding Court is an intended runner.
"It takes a bit of thinking about, spending £85,000. You want to know that your horse has come out of his race well and how the opposition is going to shape up.
"We know quite a bit more about that now and our horse has come out in tip-top shape, so in that direction we are very happy.
"We'll be watching the weather very closely. Weather forecasts can go astray but we are keen to go.
Sinndar and Holding Court will both be bidding for a US1million bonus, payable if the winner at Epsom or Chantilly follows up at the Curragh.
Recent history suggests Sinndar is the more likely to collect, with the last two Epsom winners to take on their French counterparts at the Kildare track both successful.
Generous beat Suave Dancer into second place in 1991, as Commander In Chief did to Hernando two years later.
Chantilly victor Caerleon got the better of Epsom scorer Teenoso in 1983, though both had to settle for a place behind surprise winner Shareef Dancer.
