Japanese star Orfevre has been given the go-ahead to return to France for a second attempt at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in which he finished second last year.

But Gentildonna will stay at home to follow a path aimed at a defence of the Japan Cup.

Orfevre is vying for Arc favouritism at a best-priced 7-1 with Al Kazeem and Intello and is reported to have fully recovered from a bleeding attack which kept him out of the Group One Takarazuka Kinen.

The five-year-old will again be partnered by Christophe Soumillon in a two-race French campaign kicking off with the Prix Foy, which he won in 2012.

Orfevre will be transported to Paris at the end of August and will again be stabled at the Chantilly yard of ex-pat Japanese trainer Satoshi Kobayashi.

"We've decided to go for the Arc again with the same schedule as last year," Orfevre's trainer Yasutoshi Ikee told the Racing Post.

With both Dubai Sheema Classic runner-up Gentildonna and new star Gold Ship ruled out, the Japanese challenge for a much coveted first Arc win is now down to two horses with Orfevre set to be joined by Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) winner Kizuna, who is a 16-1 chance.

Gentildonna's connections were disappointed by her third-placed effort behind Gold Ship in the Takarazuka Kinen.

"After a discussion with the owners, we have decided we will not send Gentildonna to France," trainer Sei Ishizaka said.

"The reason is the flop in the Takarazuka."

Last year's winner of Japan's triple crown for fillies, Gentildonna will now be aimed at the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and the Japan Cup, which she won last year by a nose from Orfevre.

Gentildonna's efforts in 2012 earned her the title of Horse of the Year over Orfevre who was the Japanese champion the previous year.