Contraband has been off the track since winning at York last October but Harry Herbert, spokesman for the owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, is delighted with the horse’s progress.

“Jamie rides the horse and we are very pleased with him at the moment,” said Herbert.

“I know he’s been off a long time but he’d been off a long time last year when he ran so well.

“He’s had a couple of racecourse gallops and Jamie rode him in one of those.”

Spencer has partnered the son of Red Ransom before when they finished second to Scott’s View over a mile and a half at Ascot last September.

Herbert added: “Jamie does know the horse as he rode him at Ascot last year and he feels that he’s much stronger this year.

“He’s been a very late maturing horse but seems in very good form and we’d be in with an each-way chance.”

Highclere are also set to run the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Distinction in the race.

The four-year-old finished fourth in a decent handicap at Ascot on his last start and he could have the assistance of Johnny Murtagh on the Knavesmire if Stoute also runs top weight Researched.

“Johnny is possibly going to ride Distinction if Kieren rides Researched,” Herbert explained.

“I spoke to Sir Michael this morning and I would think it is quite likely Johnny would ride Distinction.”