Harbinger returns to the scene of his first career success as he bids to build on last month's convincing Newbury success at Chester on Friday.
The four-year-old colt, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, took the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes by three lengths from Manifest, which leaves him with a 3lb penalty to defy in the Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes on the Roodee.
"He was impressive at Newbury and touch wood he seems in great form," said Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.
"I saw him on Wednesday morning breeze through and he's moving well. I know Sir Michael is pleased with the way he's come out of the Newbury race and with his preparation (for Chester).
"He acted on the course when he won his maiden there last year, but it's one step at a time. These races are never easy and he's got a 3lb penalty. We're hopeful he'll manage that, but he's got Age Of Aquarius to take on and stiff opposition from other good horses."
Once More Dubai makes his first racecourse appearance since winning a valuable handicap at Meydan in March and trainer Saeed bin Suroor is pleased with how he has acclimatised since returning to British soil.
Bin Suroor said: "He won in Dubai and has come back to England in very good form. He has been working nicely and is ready to go, so I'm very happy with him.
"He is stepping up in trip but I think he'll be fine and he should improve from the run."
Aidan O'Brien expects Age Of Aquarius to be in need of the outing as he has not been seen on a racecourse since finishing second to Cavalryman in the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp in July.
The trainer told www.coolmore.com: "Age Of Aquarius is well but he will improve a lot from his run. We are hoping they do not get too much rain in Chester and the ground stays nice for him as he is a very good moving horse that handles fast ground very well."
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