'He's shown the old spark' - Lord North takes on Alenquer in Winter Derby

Betway Winter Derby Stakes (Group 3) | 1m2f | 4yo+ | ITV/Sky

Two-time Group 1 winner Lord North and classy four-year-old Alenquer add some lustre to an eight-strong field for Lingfield's winter highlight which also includes recent Derby Trial winner Fancy Man.

Lord North, who is the highest-rated runner on 123, will be out to extend the run of joint-trainer John Gosden, who has won this for the last three years, most recently with Saturday's second string Forest Of Dean a year ago.

He returns to the track for the first time since winning the Group 1 Dubai Turf last March and is using this as a stepping stone for a return to Meydan next month.

Jockey Rab Havlin said: "Lord North has been working like he's always worked. He's been on the grass on Waterhall a couple of times and showed the old spark was there and we're hoping for a big run."

Lord North's main rival is Alenquer, who defeated subsequent Derby hero Adayar last season before winning the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and went on to be Group 1 placed on two occasions for William Haggas, most notably when second to Mishriff in the Juddmonte International.

Armando Duarte, racing manager for MM Stables, owners of Alenquer. said: "Alenquer has wintered well and has put on weight but we feel he's only heading into this race 80 per cent fit. The mile and a quarter around there might be a bit sharp for him if they go no pace, but William is pleased with the horse and this is very much a starting point for him."

Alenquer: won the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal AscotCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Fancy Man has match practice on his side after making it two wins from as many starts at the track with a taking performance in the Listed Winter Derby Trial three weeks ago.

Richard Hannon's colt is aiming to become the fifth horse to double up in both races following Parasol (2003), Eccentric (2005), Grendisar (2016) and Wissahickon (2019).

Jockey Sean Levey said: "I thought Fancy Man was impressive in the trial, more so because last year we thought he was going to be a very nice horse but he was found wanting at the backend of a lot of his races.

"Ordinarily, I thought we would be going into the Winter Derby with a favourite's chance, but we have 6lb to find with Alenquer and a further 8lb with Lord North. Even though our horse has improved from the trial, it's going to be very difficult."

Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Kempton: is 'thorough professional' Knight Salute the most underrated horse in training?

2.25 Kempton: 'A flatter track will suit' – Paul Nicholls confident Pic D'Orhy can bounce back

3.00 Kempton: hot favourite Shallwehaveonemore needs to up his game says Gary Moore

3.15 Newcastle: trainer quotes and expert insight for the Eider Chase

3.37 Kempton: 'He's turned a corner' – Christian Williams chases big prize with three chances

4.18 Fairyhouse: last year's Grand National third and fourth go head-to-head in Bobbyjo Chase