Tony Martin's Quick Jack spearheads a strong list of confirmations for the Betfred Cesarewitch at Newmarket on Saturday.
Martin's stayer leapt towards the head of the betting for the second leg of the autumn double following a fine victory at the Galway Festival.
Martin won the Cesarewitch with Leg Spinner in 2007.
The five-year-old gelding would be in opposition against a typically powerful field, with the well-fancied Ray Ward still in contention for the David Simcock operation.
Others of note to have stood their ground include Nearly Caught, Swnymor, Moidore, Brass Ring, Rhombus and Big Easy.
In addition to Quick Jack, Irish hopes could be further bolstered by the presence of the Dermot Weld-trained Hidden Universe, El Salvador from the Aidan O'Brien stables and Willie Mullins' duo of Digeanta and Clondaw Warrior - though the latter is a long way off from making the 34-runner line-up.
Nicky Henderson landed the Cesarewitch with Caracciola in 2008 and this year he could be represented by Earth Amber.
Fellow jumps trainer Jonjo O'Neill is responsible for the former John Oxx inmate Saddler's Rock, who would have to shoulder top weight on his first start for the Jackdaws Castle handler.
The sponsors cut Quick Jack to 6-1 favourite (from 7-1) after 52 horses were left in at the five-day stage.
The market leader is the only horse in the sponsor's list at single figures, with Big Easy next at 12-1 alongside Moidore, Ray Ward and Rhombus.
Betfred spokesman Andrew Griffiths said: "Quick Jack is trained by the man the bookies fear and everything points towards a big run on Saturday. He's the best-backed horse in the race and is already an ugly result in our ante-post book."
