Royal Ascot may come too soon for Cirrus Des Aigles but trainer Corine Barande-Barbe is upbeat about his return from injury.

The seven-year-old was the only horse to give Frankel a real race when he was beaten just a length and three-quarters on Champions Day.

Barande-Barbe has not given up all hope of a return to Berkshire just yet for the 16-times winner who missed the Hong Kong Cup in December with an injury.

"I'm not quite sure yet where his first race will be," Barande-Barbe said.

"He's super at present and his options are the Prince of Wales's, the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and then the King George.

"After the King George we'd be looking at York (Juddmonte International) maybe and then possibly Ireland in September (Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown).

"As a gelding we don't have to rush, the horse will tell me when he is ready, maybe in one month.

"Ascot might come too soon but I think he's better than ever at the moment.

"Physically he looks to be stronger and he is showing a lot of strength, he's very happy."