Richard Hannon has already bagged a couple of big-race trials this season and is looking to collect another through Rougemont in the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown on Saturday.
Only four runners will go to post but it threatens to be an informative heat nonetheless.
Aidan O'Brien's Galileo colt Imperial Monarch has won his only start to date in good style, with the second, Kevin Prendergast's Azamata, subsequently finishing third in a big sales race and winning at Leopardstown.
From the family of Derby runner-up The Great Gatsby, he is likely to come into his own over middle distances this season.
Sir Henry Cecil relies on Stipulate, an impressive winner of the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket on his reappearance.
John Gosden saddles Thought Worthy, a full-brother to St Leger hero Lucarno and winner of his only start to date.
Rougemont progressed through the ranks last season and held off Mickdaam to win a big pot at the Craven meeting on his first start at three.
The handicapper was so impressed he hiked him up 20lb, forcing Hannon's hand somewhat.
"The handicapper put Rougemont up 20lb for winning at Newmarket, so he deserves his shot in a trial," Hannon told his website, www.richardhannonracing.tv.
"He did well physically through the winter and has matured, as you would expect of a son of Montjeu, and we know that he stays and acts in the soft, so he ought to have a decent chance."Gosden is keen to get Thought Worthy out on the track, although he is aware it will not be easy despite the small field.
"Thought Worthy has only had the one run in his life," said Gosden.
"It's a small but elite field. You've got a Listed winner in there (Stipulate), a winner of a big sales race (Rougemont) and one of Aidan's (Imperial Monarch) so it's a classy race.
"He needs to get out on to the track but I think it will be a case of who handles the ground best as that will be a big issue.
"I'm pleased with him, but we are feeling our way so to speak."
Stipulate was hugely impressive at Newmarket, winning by four and a half lengths, and it came as no surprise to connections.
"It didn't surprise us as he'd been going well at home and had shown that he was well forward," said Teddy Grimthorpe, owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager.
"He'd strengthened up over the winter and we were happy with him going into the race.
"We'll have to have a look at the ground, though. He's by Dansili who does have winners on heavy ground but Dansili has winners on any ground really. We'll have to check the ground on Friday and see how it is.
"I think this is ground for specialists. You will get horses who go perfectly well through soft ground but won't go through this.
"Stipulate has a 10-furlong pedigree, he doesn't have a pedigree which suggests he'll be going over a mile and a half, so at this moment in time we are not looking at him as a Derby horse."
