With a quartet of entries, the Marlborough-based handler is numerically the strongest trainer represented though it's the one class-act among them, Penny's Gift, who looks the stand-out bet.

Purchased for just 10,000guineas as a yearling, the daughter of Tobougg has had an excellent first campaign already and should send her earnings into the stratosphere by taking the massive first prize.

Twice a winner at Chepstow early in the season, she then finished runner-up to Cuis Ghaire in the Group 3 Albany Stakes at the Royal Meeting before failing to obtain a clear run in the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury.

The form of that race worked out particularly well when runner-up Infamous Angel landed a re-routed Group 2 Lowther Stakes at Newmarket with Penny's Gift a gallant runner-up.

That sort of form is way beyond anything achieved by today's rivals and it will be a surprise if she is beaten despite facing a huge field.

Sir Michael Stoute has another nice filly in Crystal Capella who should complete a four-timer in the Princess Royal Stakes. A maiden winner at Newcastle in May, she then comfortably landed a York handicap before battling to victory in a Listed handicap at Goodwood.

Still likely to make progress and a very good prospect for next season, Crystal Capella is taking a slight step-up in grade here but is the type her trainer does so well with.

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman should be fit to defend his crown after treatment for a heart problem.

The horse, trained by Paul Nicholls, was treated in Newmarket for an irregular heartbeat and could return to action at the start of 2009.

Nicholls said: "He's fine, thank goodness, and we're all absolutely delighted.

"He didn't need an operation. He'll have an easy month – we'll start from scratch, building him up quietly."

Denman, who has won 13 of his 14 starts and is unbeaten over fences, will return to Nicholls's yard in Somerset today.