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Ascot's Qipco Champion Stakes has emerged a viable alternative for Ocovango if he does not end up running in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Although the Longchamp centrepiece remains the conditional aim for Andre Fabre's colt, connections have also given him an entry on Champions Day two weeks later on October 19.

First up for Ocovango is a crack at Fabre's favourite Arc trial, the Prix Niel at Longchamp on September 15, which the master trainer has won 10 times.

Ted Voute, racing and bloodstock manager for owner Prince Faisal, said: "He's on a summer break but we now have the Champion Stakes as a plan B. We just thought, what with its place in the calendar, it was worth giving him that entry and see what transpires.

"Andre is still quite keen to for the Niel and then the Arc, though, so that's the first choice, as it stands."

Ocovango won his first three races in the manner of a smart animal before finishing a rather unlucky fifth in the Epsom Derby.

The Monsun colt was also pinched for room in the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp in July, when he was beaten just two and a half lengths by stablemate Flintshire, who was promoted to Arc favouritism.

Voute said: "He got a bump in the Derby, which didn't help, and he didn't have the run of the race last time. He wouldn't have beaten Flintshire with a smooth run, but he probably would have got a bit closer."