Andrew Balding's Derby hope Bonfire puts his big reputation on the line in Thursday's Group 2 Dante Stakes at York.
The Highclere Racing-owned colt was supposed to run at Chester last week but the desperate conditions saw Balding change his plans at the last minute and re-route his charge to the Knavesmire.
The Dante Stakes often has the biggest impact on the Derby, and Thursday's renewal looks as strong as ever.
John Gosden's 2000 Guineas sixth Fencing brings classic form to the table, while Roger Varian's Ektihaam is the only one of the seven declared runners to have won this season.
He finished last in the Dewhurst Stakes but showed that to be all wrong when returning with a smooth performance at Newbury.
Godolphin's Mandaean was unbeaten in France last season for Andre Fabre, including a G1 at Saint Cloud. He has since joined the Godolphin team under Mahmood Al Zarooni.
Another viable candidate is Aidan O'Brien's Ernest Hemingway. A few dry days in Yorkshire have encouraged O'Brien to let the once-raced 10-length maiden winner take his chance.
Clive Cox has declared the maiden Dream Tune, while Bryan Smart runs 2000 Guineas seventh Ptolemaic.
Sir Henry Cecil decided against running Frankel's brother Noble Mission and Wrotham Heath.
York's three-day Dante Festival gets underway on Wednesday and should also offer significant pointers to the Oaks as well as the Derby.
John Gosden's The Fugue, fourth in the G1 One Thousand Guineas, faces five rivals in the G3 Musidora Stakes on Wednesday.
The daughter of Dansili finished off well to pick up minor honors in the Newmarket classic and she now tries her hand over 10 furlongs in this recognized trial for the Oaks at Epsom.
"She ran a nice race at Newmarket in the One Thousand Guineas, especially as one ran into the back of her which meant she lost her stride for a bit," Gosden said.
"However, she finished the race strongly and has been in good form since. She lacks racing experience and we are keen to run her to see which route we go down."
Aidan O'Brien's Twirl, like so many from the Ballydoyle stable, is regally bred, being a full-sister to Irish 1000 Guineas winner Misty For Me. She finished second in the Park Express Stakes on her first start this season and is one of a powerful army of fillies O'Brien has in the Classic division.
Others include 1000 Guineas winner Homecoming Queen, Oaks favourite Maybe, Kissed and Wading.
O'Brien said: "Twirl is in the Musidora Stakes, and if she came through the trial she could join Maybe and Kissed in the Oaks."
