Marco Botti is praying for rain so that he can run Planteur against the mighty Frankel in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday.

The Newmarket handler will declare the five-year-old for the mile-and-a-quarter showpiece, but will not chance the former French-educated complete if he considers the ground to be also quick.

Planteur ought to have appeared on the Knavesmire last month, only for Botti to pull him out since of the drying conditions.

“He’s going to be declared, but we will have to keep an eye on the climate forecast. Hopefully we will have showers,” stated Botti.

“If it is excellent ground we will consider a chance, but not on firm ground.

“He’s in good form, he is education effectively and looks effectively. He’s had a very good time from his last run and he’s freshened up.

“He’s still in the Irish Champion Stakes and in October there is a Group Two in France. They are attainable races for him.”

The ground at York was described as very good to firm on Sunday morning by assistant clerk of the course Anthea Morshead.