As expected, Olivier Peslier steps in for the ride aboard Pearl Secret, who clashes with Hot Streak for the third time this season, after Richard Hughes opted instead to partner last year’s winner Sole Power – indeed the first four home in last year’s race all line up again.
Mike de Kock’s Shea Shea, the runner-up, is back again with Christophe Soumillon in the plate, while third Pearl Secret and Jack Dexter fourth are also back in the line-up.
The favourite, however, is Kevin Ryan’s three-year-old Hot Streak, an impressive winner of the Temple Stakes under Oisin Murphy last time out.
Jamie Spencer was riding in Ireland that day but takes over once more in his role as retained jockey for Qatar Racing Limited.
Adding to the international flavour of the race is American raider Ancil, trained by Joan Scott.
James Doyle was a surprise booking on Ancil, who arrived in Newmarket late last week but looks up against it on recent form.
Adrian Beaumont of the International Racing Bureau tweeted: “Joel Rosario having visa issues so delighted to be able to book [Doyle]. Lucky to get him.”
Ryan Moore rides the three-year-old Guerre for Aidan O’Brien, as Joseph O’Brien is unable to get down to the weight of 8st 12lb.
William Haggas has booked Frankie Dettori for Rex Imperator, last year’s Stewards’ Cup winner, Kieren Fallon maintains his partnership with Roger Varian’s Steps and Clive Cox runs Es Que Love. Ahtoug, Medicean Man and Stepper Point are also among the 17-strong field.
Among those to miss out is Moviesta, with connections preferring to wait for Saturday’s Diamond Jubilee Stakes instead.