Michael Bell is anxiously watching the weather at Chantilly ahead of Big Orange's proposed run in the Prix du Cadran on Saturday.
The six-year-old missed an intended outing in the Irish St Leger earlier this month because of the prospect of testing ground.
With conditions already described as soft in France and more rain forecast, the Gold Cup winner may be forced to miss another Group One outing.
"We're doing a weather watch," said Bell.
"A decision will be made later in the week whether he goes or not. We hope to run and then go to Ascot on Champions Day."
Big Orange last ran in the Goodwood Cup when he made a valiant attempt to concede 13lb to St Leger third Stradivarius. He is 3/1 second favourite for the Cadran with Sky Bet.
Big Orange is one of only nine stayers left in the valuable contest.
David Simcock's Sheikhzayedroad and the Tim Easterby-trained High Jinx, respective third and fifth in the Doncaster Cup last time out, are both still in the mix.
High Jinx won the race back in 2014 when with James Fanshawe.
Willie Mullins could run Max Dynamite, who is also in contention to head Down Under for some of Australia's major races.
They will all have to go some to beat last year's narrow-runner Vazirabad, though.
Alain de Royer-Dupre's stalwart won the Dubai Gold Cup in March and has since struck twice at Chantilly.
Trip To Rhodos, Aussi Celebre, Pearl Dragon and 2015 Cadran winner Mille Et Mille complete the list.
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