Trainer Roger Varian believes Postponed is in good shape and is well placed for a strong challenge for the Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday.

Postponed has been in sensational form over the past year, winning his previous five outings at Ascot, Longchamp, Epsom and Meydan twice.

The five-year-old’s victory in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Prix Foy were two of the most notable triumphs in those races.

The Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum-owned charge was expected to be the red-hot favourite to defend the King George title last month but a respiratory infection ruled him out of contention.

Varian has been working hard to get the talented horse back to fitness, though, and there is a lot of confidence within the camp ahead of his competitive return at York on Wednesday.

“We are looking forward to dropping back to 10 furlongs and this race has been an objective of ours since the start of the season,” the trainer said.

“He is a colt with terrific turn of foot and a high cruising speed. “These attributes and the manner in which he has been winning over a mile and a half suggest that the drop back in trip shouldn’t be a problem.

The nature of the track at York should play to his strengths.” Postponed is being tipped by many to win the Group 1 race but he faces stiff competition in what is an impressive-looking 12-horse field.

Aidan O’Brien will be represented by Highland Reel and Sir Isaac Newton and it appears the former is the best chance of picking up the win.

The four-year-old produced a magnificent performance to land last month’s King George at Ascot by one-and-a-quarter lengths and is very respected on the eve of the event.