James Fanshawe-trained speedsters Deacon Blues and Society Rock feature among 17 possible runners in the Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday.
Deacon Blues is set to test his powers at Group One level for the first time following a seven-length demolition of his rivals in Ireland last time.
His stablemate Society Rock is already proven in top company having won the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot in June before chasing home Moonlight Cloud in France last time.
David Simcock’s star Dream Ahead finished a disappointing seventh in the same Deauville contest last time, but would have obvious claims if returning to the form that saw him win Newmarket’s July Cup.
Roger Charlton could be represented by Bated Breath and Genki, while beaten Nunthorpe favourite Hoof It could return to his more suitable distance of six furlongs (1200m) after being supplemented at a cost of STG13,000 ($A20,085).
The two possible Irish challengers are Edward Lynam’s Sole Power and Bewitched from the Charles O’Brien stable.
The latter was a big disappointment when sent off favourite for the Golden Jubilee, but O’Brien feels she is back to her best.
“She’s an intended runner, all going well, and I’m very happy with her,” the trainer said.
“She was in quite a bad way after Ascot and very sore. It has taken a while to get her right, but I think she’s back on song now.
“She worked after racing at the Curragh on Sunday and I was pleased with her, so fingers crossed she’ll run well.
“I don’t think the ground matters too much to her, we just don’t want extremes either way.”
Other interesting contenders for the Merseyside Group One include three-year-olds Elzaam and Wootton Bassett, with the latter bidding to put a largely disappointing first half of the season behind him.
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