Frankel could face at least one stern rival when he lines up for the Juddmonte International in the shape of St Nicholas Abbey.

The world's highest-rated horse is scheduled to tackle 10 furlongs for the first time at York on August 22 in a race sponsored by his owner, Khalid Abdullah.

Cirrus Des Aigles has been confirmed an absentee, with Nathaniel seemingly more likely to head for the Irish Champion Stakes, but Aidan O'Brien looks set to target the Group One showpiece.

Speaking at the Curragh, the Ballydoyle handler said: "St Nicholas Abbey could run next in the Juddmonte International Stakes."

The five-year-old is a dual winner of the Coronation Cup and also landed the Breeders' Cup Turf last season, while he finished strongly to take third behind Danedream in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last time out.