17 vying for Chester Cup

The six-year-old was a disappointing last of ten runners on his seasonal reappearance in the Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham, but bids to bounce back and give Barry Hills a second successive win in this marathon contest on the Roodee.

Ante-post favourite Bernie The Bolt takes his chance for Andrew Balding, while other leading fancies such as Nemo Spirit, Swingkeel, Ajaan and Halla San – respective second and third 12 months ago – also line up.

The only two not declared from the confirmation stage were previous top-weight Munsef and Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Overturn. A few have missed the cut, however, including Dazinski and Theola, both trained by Mark Tompkins.

Judgethemoment and Aaim To Prosper are the respective first and second reserves.

Meanwhile, Godolphin's Ameer heads 16 entries for the totesport.com Derby Trial at Lingfield on Saturday