A maximum field of eight will line up in the Prix Greffulhe, the second of the major French Derby trials, at Longchamp on Sunday.
Aidan O'Brien's Racing Post Trophy winner Aristotle has stood his ground but stablemate Bashkir has been withdrawn.
Thierry Jarnet is expected to ride Rhenium in the Group Two contest.
Blu Air Force, the smart Italian colt recently acquired by Daniel Wildenstein, was today supplemented at a cost of 22,000 francs (£2,110) for the Group Three Prix de Fontainebleau.
The mile race is regarded as the main prep race for the French 2000 Guineas.
Blu Air Force's addition and Merlot's defection means that a maximum field of nine will come under orders. Olivier Peslier will ride the Italian raider.
Lady Of Chad, winner of the Prix Marcel Boussac last season, is one of seven acceptors for the French 1000 Guineas prep, the Group Three Prix de la Grotte.
Her trainer Richard Gibson has supplemented Saone Et Loire for the race at cost of 22,000 francs. She is expected to be used as a pacemaker.
