'He was fantastic last season and is better now - all roads lead to Newbury'

David Pipe was dealt a cruel blow last month when stable star Adagio suffered a fatal heart attack just two days before he was due to kick his campaign off on the Flat in Newmarket's Cesarewitch Stakes.

The trainer struggled for a flagship horse to emulate the likes of Grade 1 winners Dynaste, Moon Racer and Un Temps Pour Tout, before Adagio ended a six-year wait for a win at the highest level. The loss of him is understandably still raw and has created a void.

With that in mind, Sizing Pottsie was specifically acquired to be a Saturday horse, while handicappers such as Remastered and Brinkley will bid to keep a stable that already has 43 winners, just six shy of last season's total, in lights. Novices like Gericault Roque and Man At Work will also be given the chance to progress through the ranks with the hope they could be live contenders at the spring festivals.