Sir Mark Prescott's charge faces a five-strong challenge from the Ballydoyle camp, headed by Kieren Fallon's mount Race For The Stars, but Confidential Lady was staying on strongly at the finish behind Speciosa at Newmarket and should have no problems with the stiffer mile here.

She had been as short as 9/1 for next month's Oaks, but connections have obviously had a change of heart and decided that this race represents a more attractive alternative. An added advantage is that the ground will be to her liking. Dont Dilli Dali, the mount of John Egan, is another English raider, who will not be inconvenienced by the underfoot conditions, and she represents good each-way value. Fourth, beaten just over half a length by Atlantic Waves in the Fielden Stakes last time, the filly is reported to have worked very well at Newbury racecourse last Friday, and the form of her races is working out well.

Short Dance, from the Barry Hills stable, was recently successful in a listed race at York, and must also be considered, along with the Kevin Prendergast-trained Ugo Fire, Dermot Weld's representative Nightime and Aidan O'Brien's second string Queen Cleopatra. Nevertheless, Confidential Lady is the one fancied to come out on top in the hands of Seb Sanders.

Elsewhere on the card, it is disappointing that the Tattersalls Gold Cup, which was increased in value this year, has attracted just three runners, but on the plus side they include last season's Prix de l'Arc winner Hurricane Run.

The Andre Fabre-trained colt was supplemented for the Group 1 race at a cost of 25,000, which is a pointer in itself, and the vibes emanating from France, regarding his home-work, are very positive.

Meanwhile, today's card at Tralee was abandoned due to waterlogged track.