IT'S Whitsbury Manor Stud Bibury Cup time at Salisbury Racecourse on Wednesday.
The feature race, which is part of a seven-card meet, has attracted a select field of six, including a royal runner as Sir Michael Stoute is fielding Mainstream for the Her Majesty The Queen. Taking the ride is the red-hot Ryan Moore who, fresh from becoming Royal Ascot's leading jockey again last week, is making his first visit to Salisbury of the season and has a strong book of rides.
Mainstream won't get it all his own way in the Whitsbury Manor Stud Bibury Cup, however, facing a strong challenge in the form of John Gosden's progressive Rex Bell and Amanda Perrett's unexposed Combative. Master Blueyes, Marmajuke Bay and The Graduate, all last time out winners, complete what has the ingredients to be a spectacular race.
The supporting events are not without quality of their own though, with the New Forest Farm Machinery/John Deere Auction Conditions Stakes, the H S Lester Memorial Handicap and the Molson Coors Handicap all ensuring that there is every chance another star could emerge at Salisbury on Wednesday.
Last year's card produced some smart performers, no less so than 2015 St Leger winner Simple Verse, and this season's renewal promises to be another meeting of real quality at the Netherhampton Road track.
The first race is at 2.10pm with the feature Whitsbury Manor Stud Bibury Cup at 3.45pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here