Haradasun heads Lockinge field

Haradasun will have his first run for Aidan O'Brien since leaving Australia when he faces 11 rivals in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

The five-year-old son of Fusaichi Pegasus will be joined in the Group One mile by stablemate Astronomer Royal, who will also be making his first appearance of 2008.

Favourite Cesare, an impressive winner in Listed company last month, will represent James Fanshawe, while the Godolphin operation rely on Creachadoir.

Peter Chapple-Hyam will be triple-handed with Tariq, Al Qasi and Medicine Path.

Arabian Gleam, Rob Roy and Henry Cecil's unbeaten Phoenix Tower will also take up the challenge along with Barshiba and Sun Chariot winner Majestic Roi, who represent the fairer sex.

Blue Ksar and the O'Brien-trained pair of Duke Of Marmalade and Mount Nelson were the three horses to drop out at the declaration stage.

Cesare was the $3.50 favourite with Coral for Saturday's big race, while Haradasun, who continues to prove popular, was the next best fancied at $5.

"Cesare has been favourite for the Lockinge ever since his facile win at Ascot last month, but in recent days the support has been for Haradasun," said Coral spokesman David Stevens.

"British punters will be getting their first look at this Australian import on Saturday, but we've seen enough of their sprinters winning at Royal Ascot in recent years to know that Group One winners from Down Under cannot be dismissed lightly."