Ulysses, Highland Reel and Order Of St George are among 20 horses left in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly at the latest declaration stage.
Order Of St George, the Melbourne Cup topweight, and Highland Reel, third in the 2015 Cox Plate, are among seven possible runners for trainer Aidan O’Brien.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Ulysses has struck twice at Group One level this season, landing the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown and the Juddmonte International at York.
The four-year-old is second-favourite across the boards for Europe’s premier middle-distance prize on Sunday behind the John Gosden-trained filly Enable.
As expected, Gosden has withdrawn Great Voltigeur and Prix Niel winner Cracksman.
Highland Reel and Order Of St George, finished second and third respectively behind former stablemate Found in last year’s Arc.
Highland Reel won the Coronation Cup and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes earlier in the season, but was no match for Enable when fourth in the King George.
Order Of St George was last seen sauntering to his second success in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh.
O’Brien could also call on Highland Reel’s full brother Idaho, Seventh Heaven, Irish Derby and St Leger hero Capri, Cliffs Of Moher and four-time Group One-winning filly Winter.
Andre Fabre, who has saddled a record seven Arc winners, has Doha Dream, Cloth Of Stars and Plumatic in the mix.
