The Barathea colt, Enrique, reported to be Henry Cecil's best two-year-old, puts his reputation on the line in the Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket today.
The Classic prospect must win, and in some style, to book his place in the Group One Dewhurst Stakes back over seven furlongs at Newmarket in two weeks' time.
After a workmanlike, rather than spectacular, victory over Sporting Lad on his debut at Goodwood in July, Enrique missed the Acomb Stakes at York in August because of sore shins.
And he was taken out of an easy contest at Salisbury on Wednesday because of soft ground.
Cecil is keen to give Enrique, already a leading fancy for next year's Sagitta 2,000 Guineas at around 14 to 1, more racecourse experience before the Dewhurst.
But the horse will know he has had a race as the David Loder-trained Berlioz looked above average when making a winning debut in a 23-runner Newbury maiden two weeks ago.
Salty Jack, who weaved his way through the field to snatch a lastgasp victory at Doncaster last month, can follow-up in the H & K Commissions Rated Stakes. The way Ray Cochrane brought the four-year-old through a wall a horses to get up in the shadow of the post was one of the highlights of the four-day St Leger fixture.
The Vic Soane-trained colt was value for more than the official margin of a neck he had to spare over Sheer Face in the 20-runner seven-furlong handicap.
Salty Jack does not appear harshly-treated and can give his supporters more reason to cheer.
Luca Cumani's progressive filly Innuendo can beat a small but select field in the Fishpools Furnishings Godolphin Stakes.
The daughter of Caerleon has finished runner-up in two listed races since winning her first two starts in maiden company.
The step up to a mile and a half from 10 furlongs should see further improvement.
Lord Huntingdon has his string in fine fettle and Faraway Lass can follow up last month's Haydock victory in the Racing Post Fillies' Rated Stakes.
The five-year-old mare beat Eastern Lyric by a cosy length and a half at the Merseyside track and at one stage was a leading fancy for last month's Ladbroke Ayr Gold Cup.
Belfast-born Vincent Caldwell, who has lived in the Isle of Man for the last three years, launches his tax free credit betting service, Offshore Betting Ltd, after beating off some notable scalps - including Paddy Power - in securing the last licence.
Caldwell, who has horses with Noel Meade and whose father, Charles, enjoyed some important wins with Samuel Pepys, is looking forward to the new venture which kicks off next Monday.
"Racing is our main interest but we also cater for other sports including Gaelic Games," said Caldwell from his office in Duke Street, Douglas, yesterday. He can be contacted at 0044-1624620000 or by fax 0044-629698.
