Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam is still hoping the weather in France will clear so leading Cox Plate contender Arod can take his place in the Prix Jaques le Marois at Deauville.

Chapple-Hyam's stable star is still in contention for Sunday's Group One in France but he needs good ground to be seen at his best and the picturesque French venue has been hit by heavy rain this week.

The wet weather has already robbed the race of Gleneagles, with Andre Fabre warning current favourite Territories may also be withdrawn if the ground is too soft.

If conditions go against Arod, the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp on September 13 is an alternative option.

His principal aim is the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, in Australia, on October 24.

"It's not set in stone just yet that he won't run on Sunday," Chapple-Hyam said.

"It could dry up, you just never know. It's unlikely, but I'm sat here praying.

"We'll just have to see what the weather does ... if he doesn't run it will be the Moulin."

Arod is at $13 for the Cox Plate behind a trio on $11 - Contributer, Pornichet and Criterion who runs in next week's Juddmonte International at York.