Gary Moore admits he is in the dark ahead of Numide's return to the level in the Blue Square Ormonde Stakes at Chester.
The five-year-old was formerly a smart performer in France for Jean-Claude Rouget but was bought by Moore to go hurdling.
It appeared to be a shrewd move after his first two starts over timber but he was then found wanting in better company towards the end of the season.
He now returns to Flat racing in the Group Three event won by Sir Michael Stoute's Ask 12 months ago.
"He was a little bit disappointing as the season wore on over hurdles," said the Brighton handler.
"The ground would be a concern for him and it is a fact-finding mission really.
"I can't really say any more than that. His home work is still very good, he looks well but we don't really know what to expect.
"He may have done all his winning on soft ground in France but he does have some decent form on good ground and he doesn't move like a soft ground horse.
"I've no idea how he will handle the track but I suppose it is a flat track like most of them in France.
"We are running him in this race because it is never the strongest Group Three and it is difficult for horses like him going back on the Flat."
Luca Cumani is represented by Bauer who opened his season by finishing ninth behind Regal And Royal in the John Porter Stakes at Newbury and the Newmarket trainer is expecting him to improve considerably for that outing.
"He was in need of the run last time out at Newbury and hopefully the run will have brought him sufficiently to give a good display despite the strength of the entries," Cumani told his website.
Aidan O'Brien's Macarthur is a full brother to 2005 Derby winner Motivator and won on his racecourse debut by three lengths.
He has never quite lived up to those lofty expectations but ran a sound race when finishing sixth in the St Leger despite not getting a clear run.
"He ran a good race in the Leger where he just went down the inside but didn't get a run," said O'Brien.
"He's in good form, he's had a run this year at the Curragh in very soft ground and he has come forward well from that."
Sir Michael Stoute's Red Gala was another who reappeared in the John Porter when finishing fifth.
Owned by Cheveley Park Stud, the five-year-old won two handicaps last season but has failed to win in Pattern company yet.
"He is best suited by top of the ground and we were pleased with his debut but we just need to know if he can make the step up from handicapping," said Chris Richardson, racing manager for Cheveley Park.
"He came out of his race in good form and it is an opportunity to get a bit more black type for the family.
"It looks on the tough side to me but we need to find out if he can mix it at this level."
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