The incredible 14-time Group One-winning mare, who landed the Breeders' Cup Mile on three occasions, bowed out from the racing game when finishing an honourable third at Churchill Downs in November.

Although she now heads out to the paddocks for a new career as a broodmare, trainer Freddie Head can remain optimistic about the year that lies ahead.

While Galikova disappointed in last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Head is keen to have another crack at Europe's premier middle-distance prize.

"Without Goldikova it is of course a different feeling at the start of this season, but that's life and we move on," said Head.

"Galikova is back in training and I am very happy with her at the moment. Hopefully she will start off in the Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud on May 28 and if all went well there, she could then go for the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

"We might then save her for the later in the year, where she could run in races like the Prix Vermeille and the Arc. She has done very well during the winter, which is pleasing."

Classic Plans

Head also has two realistic Classic aspirants on his hands in Sofast and Zantenda.

Sofast was a narrow second to the most impressive Dabirsim in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc day, while Zantenda was unlucky to finish only third in the Prix Marcel Boussac on the same card.

Head said: "Sofast is in good shape and the French 2000 Guineas is his main target. He will run in the Prix Fontainebleau before that for his trial.

"I also have Zantenda, who won twice last year before finishing third in the Prix Marcel Boussac. She will run in a trial for the French 1000 Guineas."

This time last year Moonlight Cloud was being prepared for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket but after disappointing at Headquarters, she went on to become a smart sprinter and she too is back for more.

Head said: "Moonlight Cloud is also still in training with me and she could be aimed at all the good sprint races. She might go over to Royal Ascot for the Golden Jubilee Stakes."