Frankie Dettori is hoping Neebras can step up to the plate in Listed company when he lines up for the Charles Heidsieck Champagne Heron Stakes at Sandown.
The son of Oasis Dream has a much stiffer task than when trotting up by seven lengths in a three-runner affair at Newmarket last time.
"Neebras won a very ordinary event last time but a mile seems to be his trip and this is a good opportunity for him to get some black type," said Dettori, who is the face of the QIPCO British Champions Series.
"We'll have a better idea about how good he could be after this race. He hasn't grown much during the winter and is still quite a small horse."
Richard Hannon is worried a 5lb penalty for a Newmarket success on his seasonal debut might make life difficult for Pausanias.
"Pausanias has to shoulder a 5lb penalty for having won the Free Handicap at Newmarket, so it is a tough task, but he is a big colt and we thought he would have needed that comeback race," the trainer told www.richardhannonracing.tv.
"He is bound to be sharper and the step up to a mile won't be a problem, while Sandown also do a good job with the watering, so the ground should not be as fast as it was at Newmarket, which is another plus."
Tazahum, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, is upped in grade after winning the Esher Cup Handicap over the course and distance on his seasonal reappearance a month ago.
"He's stepping up in class, but they seem to be happy enough with him at home. He's a horse who will stay further in due course, but a mile is the right trip at the moment. We'll have to see if he's up to this," said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.
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