Cirrus Des Aigles will be targeted at the Hong Kong Vase

Cirrus Des Aigles will be targeted at the Hong Kong Vase following his gallant effort in the Prix Royal-Oak on Sunday.

The seven-time Group One winner was attempting the extended one-mile and seven-furlong trip for the first time and was by no means disgraced behind favourite Vazirabad.

A close fourth in the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin last year, the admirable nine-year-old showed no signs of throwing the towel in at Saint-Cloud and trainer Corine Barande-Barbe is pleased he has come out of the race in good condition.

She said: "He has come out of the race well and enjoyed his canter this morning. He needed a lot more pace to aim at attempting to stay over that distance and the race turned into a sprint which was not ideal.

"He has had a summer break this year so he is fresh - I know the horse well.

"He ran in the Hong Kong Cup last year but his target will be the Vase this time around."

The European raiders boast a good recent record in the Group One over a mile and a half, with French trainers responsible for three of the last six winners.

Barande-Barbe continued: "He will decide whether he stays in training next year and will tell me when he is not enjoying it."