David O'Meara is expecting big things from his two runners in the Shadwell Joel Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.

The North Yorkshire trainer saddles Custom Cut, who will be making his third successive appearance in this race, and supplementary entry Amazing Maria.

Custom Cut took the Group Two honours in 2014 and was a fine second to Time Test 12 months ago.

The seven-year-old showed he still retains plenty of ability when running Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Awtaad to a length and a half in the Boomerang Stakes at Leopardstown earlier this month.

"Custom Cut put up a very good run in Ireland on Champions Weekend, finishing second to Awtaad," said O'Meara.

"He's won the Joel before and he's in good form."

Amazing Maria has not graced the winner's enclosure since registering her second Group One triumph in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville in August 2015.

She was not disgraced when sixth to Qemah in that race this summer.

"She's also in good form and will like the ground and we're hoping for a good run from her," O'Meara said.

After several creditable efforts in Group Three company, Forge was dropped down in class when winning at Haydock three weeks ago.

Connections of the Sir Michael Stoute-trained three-year-old are hoping that will have done him the world of good.

"He had a nice confidence booster at Haydock. He's stepping back up to Group racing again. We hope he's progressive," said Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah.

Frankie Dettori is bullish about the prospects of his mount Nathra, whose smart early-season form included running second to La Cressoniere in the French 1000 Guineas.

Trained by John Gosden, she has not raced since finishing unplaced behind Qemah in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"She'll be taking on older horses for the first time but with a little bit of rain and a break she should put in a performance," Dettori told www.ladbrokes.com.

"She's a cute and honest filly and I'm looking forward to riding her again."

Bruce Raymond, racing manager for owner Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, reports the filly to have been working in some style.

"She looked very good when she breezed on the Limekilns the other day. She'd have a decent chance," he said.

Raymond is also responsible for Gifted Master, who wears the colours of Dr Ali Ridha.

The three-year-old gelding, trained by Hugo Palmer, made a bright start to the campaign with wins at Newmarket and Ascot before tackling the best company.

He returns to the fray for the first time since finishing in the ruck behind Signs Of Blessing in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville seven weeks ago.

"Hugo is very happy with him," said Raymond.

"He's had a great prep since his last run over a month ago and Hugo's pleased with the way he's been going. He'd be in with a chance."