Formerly trained by Eamon Tyrrell, Sweet Afton was seventh in this five-furlong Listed event last year and shaped with promise on her first start for Saunders when fourth in a competitive race at Newbury.

“We bought her at the sales and we’re quite pleased with her,” said Saunders.

“She’s a top of the ground filly and she ran some decent races in Ireland - that’s why we bought her.

“She ran behind Indian Maiden a couple of times. I think she was sixth to her one day in Ireland but was only beaten about a length.”

Sweet Afton faces a stern examination tomorrow, with the William Haggas-trained Molecomb Stakes winner Enticing among the opposition.

“The race looks hot enough for her, and we are treading carefully at this stage,” Saunders continued.

“She ran a decent race at Newbury. She just ran around a bit and I’m quite happy with the draw (stall one).

“A rail will help but at the last meeting a lot of the winners were coming from high draws, so maybe things have evened up a bit.”

Fondly recalling Indian Maiden, he added: “Sadly Indian Maiden was sold to stud but the owners got a really decent price for her – 250 grand.

“She was a real flag-bearer and we’re a bit lost without her. This one’s not an Indian Maiden yet. She might be one day but it’s going to take a bit of time.”