Aidan O'Brien admits Churchill's aborted trip to Goodwood was not the ideal preparation for a high-class renewal of the Juddmonte International at York.
The dual 2000 Guineas winner, who disappointed in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot won by Barney Roy, was supposed to run in the Sussex Stakes.
However, an unseasonal downpour turned the ground extremely soft and O'Brien took the late decision not to run him.
"It wasn't ideal - we had him over there and it was just one of the freak weather things, I suppose. But he seems to have been well since," said O'Brien.
"He hasn't done an awful lot because it's not long ago and he was fit going to Goodwood. Obviously, we would have preferred if we had a run, but that's the way it is.
"We've always thought a mile and a quarter would be within his compass. Everything seems well with him since Goodwood, so we're looking forward to it."
O'Brien also saddles Investec Derby runner-up Cliffs Of Moher, who suffered a rough passage in his last race, the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.
"He suffered very bad interference in Sandown and I suppose he was lucky, really, not to fall. But he has been well since and we have been happy with his work," O'Brien added.
Richard Hannon feels Barney Roy will take some stopping.
Second to Churchill in the Guineas at Newmarket, the Godolphin-owned colt gained his revenge at the Royal meeting before finishing a narrow second to Ulysses in the Eclipse.
The Wiltshire handler said: "It was a great run for a three-year-old at Sandown and it was such a shame to get beaten.
"He heads there in fantastic order and the Juddmonte looks the ideal race for him.
"The Eclipse form has been boosted by the victory of Eminent last Tuesday (in a Group Two at Deauville) and I think he will take all the beating."
Ulysses has since tasted defeat in the King George at Ascot, when a fine second to Enable, but Sir Michael Stoute expects the four-year-old to play his part in the Group One showpiece.
The Newmarket trainer said: "He's competent at both trips. He loves top of the ground, but he goes on any. You've only got to look at the King George and you've got your evidence there.
"I think it will be a high-quality race, it's very interesting. We've had some great races for the International in the past and we'll probably have a great one this time."
Decorated Knight finished sixth in the Eclipse and bids for a third Group One success in the latest race in the Qipco British Champions Series.
Trainer Roger Charlton said: "The Eclipse was rough, very rough, and he didn't have much chance. He's taking on the best around, but he's had a nice break and is in good form. "
Clive Cox reverts last season's Prince of Wales's hero My Dream Boat to a mile and a quarter, while the field is completed by the John Gosden-trained Shutter Speed, who is the sole filly in the race.