Racing:Mick Kinane believes Sea The Stars is as strong now as he has been at any stage this season as he bids for glory in Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
The son of Cape Cross has enjoyed a sterling season which has seen him emerge as one of the best horses of recent years with wins in the 2000 Guineas, Derby, Eclipse, Juddmonte International and Irish Champion Stakes.
However, he is now set to face arguably his stiffest task to date in Europe's premier middle-distance prize and, for many, victory this weekend would be his true crowning glory.
Despite having been on the go since his initial Classic success at Newmarket on May 2, Kinane, who won the Arc on Carroll House in 1989 and Montjeu in 1999, feels the John Oxx-trained colt is still improving physically and he can hardly wait for Sunday's race.
"I've been to sit on the horse this morning and he's in good shape," said the 50-year-old jockey. "He came out of his race at Leopardstown really well and he's actually put weight on and got bigger and stronger.
"You would hope a few horses come out of the race to make it a handier field but we'll have to see.
"Tactically we'll just have to take the race as it comes, see what other horses are running and look at the draw."
Much has been made of Sea The Stars' preference for sound going and fears over possible easy ground at Longchamp had sparked plenty of doubts about his Arc participation over the summer months.
However, it looks as though conditions should be right up his street on Sunday, which could prove an ominous sign for his rivals.
"The forecast is for a dry week and they're watering so the ground should be good and fine for everybody," Kinane continued.
"Hopefully nothing will change with the weather as it is so far so good."