Dual-Derby-winning jockey Johnny Murtagh has admitted his mount Daliapour faces a stiff task in today's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot.
The Irishman, who this season has partnered Sinndar to victory at Epsom and the Curragh, does not underestimate the task Sir Michael Stoute's charge faces against the mighty Montjeu.
He said: 'Any horse that wins the Arc is a very, very good horse. On that day he quickened up very well.
'I saw him in Ireland early on this year and he was awesome.
'He sat in behind them and there wasn't much room. Mick (Kinane) just waited and waited and he knew what he had underneath him and when he pressed the button that was it. He didn't get out until the last 100 yards but he won on the bridle.
'He didn't beat much on the day but he beat them on the bridle. Then he went on to France - it looked an easier race but he's an exceptionally good horse.'
On the chances of Daliapour Murtagh added: 'It's going to be very hard. Mr Stoute thinks his horse is improving from three to four.
'He has a few lengths to make up on him but you know Mr Stoute with these older horses, he has a great record with them and I'm looking forward to the race tomorrow.
'It's not mission impossible, you can't go out like that. I'm going out to win the race and I'll give it the best I can.'
Stoute told BBC 2: 'Montjeu is a very, very good horse but our fella has done nothing wrong and is entitled to have a go.'
The going at Ascot has eased to good to firm, good in places following Friday's rain.
Clerk of the course Nick Cheyne said on Friday: 'We've had about three millimetres of rain today and so I have changed the going description. The round course seems slightly slower than the straight course.
'The forecasters say there are still a few showers to the west of us which will move away by 8.00pm after which it will be mostly dry.
'Tomorrow, from noon, there is a 40% to 50% chance of light showers. It should be dry overnight and on Sunday.'
With rain falling at Ascot Shiva's prospects of running in the £750,000 contest have improved.
The talented mare will only take her chance in the 12-furlong event if there is give in the ground.
'There is rain forecast for the Ascot area and it's just a question of watching the weather now,' said Allan Cooper, racing manager to Shiva's owners the Niarchos Family.
'She is well in herself and we'd certainly like her to run. But she won't line up if the ground is fast.
'If she can't run then we will give her an autumn campaign. There are plenty of choices including the Champion Stakes, the Irish Champion Stakes and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.'
After riding at Ascot today her jockey Richard Quinn reported: 'The ground is going her way. At the moment it's on the slow side of good.'
One horse who will not be in the line up is Fruits Of Love, who was ruled out of the race on Friday morning after coming back lame from exercise.
His withdrawal leaves a field of just seven to go to post, the smallest number since Lammtarra beat six rivals in 1995.
