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Aidan O’Brien superstar stayer remains firmly on track for the Group 1 Prix du Cadran at Longchamp on Sunday.

A phenomenal twenty-length winner of the Prix du Cadran two years ago, Kyprios was forced to miss the majority of his 2023 campaign after suffering a life-threatening infection in his joint. However, under the masterful eye of Ballydoyle handler Aidan O'Brien, the striking son of Galileo has been nurtured right back to his best this season, winning all six of his racecourse appearances. 

After regaining crowns in the Ascot Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup and Irish St Leger in recent months, connections will surely be hopeful he can add France's most decorative staying prize to the tally. 

"Everything has gone well since the Irish Leger," said the Ballydoyle maestro. "He's an amazing horse with a lot of class."

While he clearly stays all day, it was muted by O'Brien that Kyprios could drop back in trip for a crack at Europe's prestigious middle-distance prize, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. But with connections wary of what he has achieved for them in the staying division over the years, they have opted to stick to the more conventional route. 

On the decision, O'Brien commented: "He's very comfortable going those distances so we just thought it might be disrespectful of him to go and run in an Arc after what he's done for us. 

"He's very comfortable going those trips and will be more at ease here than he would be in the Arc. 

"We're very happy with him and looking forward to seeing him running again. He's very special and we really appreciate and respect him."

While Kyprios' facile twenty-length triumph in this race two years ago may have seemed straightforward, there was a moment of worry for backers of the 7/10 market leader, as Aidan O'Brien's contender veered violently left-handed across the track under Ryan Moore inside the final furlong. 

His trainer has little worry about lightning striking twice though. O'Brien said: "He did drift across the track, but Ryan rode him handy, and the pace just got let down and he was left in front. He obviously thought he was going back to the stables, but Ryan will be aware of that. He seems in great form."