Strong hand or Hannon

Richard Hannon, who won the first running of the Watership Down Stud Sales Stakes with Madame Boulangere three years ago, is responsible for eight of the 43 confirmations for the race at Newbury on Saturday.

The Marlborough trainer’s team includes Newmarket Listed race fourth Baltic Dip, dual scorer Aastral Magic and Goodwood nursery winner Miss Cassia.

John Gosden, who sent out Nyramba to score 12 months ago, has left in both Code Orange and Holly Springs.

Mick Cannon has five entries and Brian Meehan four.

The race, restricted to two-year-old fillies who went under the hammer at yearling sales held in Britain by Brightwells, Doncaster Bloodstock Sales or Tattersalls, has a guaranteed minimum value of £250,000 and pays prize-money down to 10th place.

The race has been switched to at Newbury due to reconstruction work at Ascot racecourse.

The distance remains at six and a half furlongs.