Sir Michael Stoute's Canadian International winner Cannock Chase makes his seasonal reappearance in the Betway Huxley Stakes at Chester on Thursday.
The five-year-old was last seen in the Hong Kong Vase in December where he met a troubled passage, costing him all chance.
A Royal Ascot winner two years ago, he holds entries in the Hardwicke Stakes and the Prince of Wales's at the big meeting.
However, because of his Grade One success in Canada, he must give weight away to all his rivals on the Roodee.
"It's going to be tough for him first time out giving 7lb away to them all," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail.
"He's ready for a run but he did need his run in this last season.
"I think he's probably better over a mile and a half these days but Sir Michael wants to get him out and the ground will be fine for him.
"He's working well, but he might just need it."
Raymond also looks after the interests of Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum, who owns the William Haggas-trained Battalion.
"Battalion is working so well at the moment, I saw him work on Saturday and he's never worked as well as he did then," said Raymond.
"Unfortunately for him he's not got a great draw but hopefully he can overcome it. He's got fitness on his side and hopefully he can run well.
"I think we've all got John Gosden's horse (Western Hymn) to beat."
Western Hymn has had a run already this season, when second to My Dream Boat in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown.
In fourth place in the same race was Rod Millman's John Smith's Cup winner Master Carpenter and back in sixth was Brian Ellison's Top Notch Tonto. All three meet again.
Richard Fahey's Gabrial has picked up plenty of prize-money in the last few years and steps back up to 10 furlongs for the first time since not being beaten far by Maverick Wave in this race 12 months ago.
The Mark Johnston-trained Fire Fighting has not run on turf since the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket last September but has been in good form on the all-weather.