Michael Bell admits Big Orange appears to have an "outstanding" chance in Thursday's Matchboook VIP Henry II Stakes at Sandown.
The ultra-consistent stayer ran his usual game race when he was last in action in Dubai, beaten two lengths by Vazirabad.
That was the first time he had been ridden by Frankie Dettori, and the Italian will be on board once more in the Group Two.
"He's really in great form," said Bell.
"This wasn't the plan, we had intended to run him in the Yorkshire Cup but the ground went against him.
"He came back from Dubai looking healthy and well and on ratings it looks like he has an outstanding chance.
"He's so consistent, even in the Melbourne Cup (10th) he was only beaten by those getting plenty of weight from him, he probably ran up to his mark.
"The plan is to run here and then if the ground suits the Gold Cup and then Goodwood. If he doesn't get his ground, we'll look at the Princess of Wales's again (which he has won twice before)."
Roger Charlton's Quest For More is rated as high as Big Orange but must concede 7lb due to his Group One win in France.
He also finished a long way behind Big Orange in Dubai.
"As long as the ground is not too soft, he will run at Sandown," said Charlton.
"It was just a case of the ground not suiting at all out in Dubai, that's why he ran as he did.
"He has been in good form since then."
Mick Channon's Elidor steps up in class and trip having won a Listed race over a mile and six furlongs at Nottingham with Higher Power, Vent De Force, She Is No Lady and German raider Berghain completing the field.
