The evergreen Cirrus Des Aigles has begun his latest campaign with a third win in the Group One Prix Ganay at Longchamp.

In holding off Roger Charlton's Al Kazeem, the popular gelding set himself up for a crack at the Prix D'Ispahan.

Now well into the veteran stage of his career, the nine-year-old led all the way under Christophe Soumillon.

In the past, Barande-Barbe's star has needed his first run of the season and having not been seen since finishing fourth in the Hong Kong Cup in December, there was not much confidence behind him.

Olivier Peslier, riding Al Kazeem for the first time, asked Roger Charlton's seven-year-old to get closer as Soumillon wound up the pace in front.

On entering the final furlong (200m) it looked like race fitness was going to tell as Al Kazeem closed to within a length, but the incredible Cirrus Des Aigles found plenty for pressure and eventually ran out a cosy winner.

"He never surprises me when he wins but he surprised me today that he won so well," trainer Corine Barande-Barbe said.

"He just did it so easily today, despite having had so much use made of him.

"I'd have to say he is better than ever looking at that.

"He'll go for the Prix D'Ispahan next and then we'll see, he has lots of options, including the Coronation Cup.

"He's just incredible."