Ante-post favourite Redford is one of 43 horses to stand their ground for Saturday's totesport International Stakes at the five-day stage.

Michael Bell's colt went to the head of the market for the Ascot contest after an impressive victory at Newcastle last month.

Mark Johnston appears to have a strong hand with Lovelace, Laa Rayb, Prince Of Light, Underworld and Thebes to choose from.

The William Haggas-trained pair of King's Apostle and Musaalem both figure prominently in the betting while Barry Hills could run both Zaahid and Giganticus.

The Pascal Bary-trained Objeto De Arte could represent France, while other interesting possibles include Bunbury Cup winner Little White Lie, who is seeking a hat-trick after victories at Epsom and Newmarket, Artimino and Mastership.

Although Redford's latest victory came on soft ground, Bell does not believe easy conditions are essential for his charge.

"Redford is in great form and has probably never been better," confirmed Bell.

"He looks a picture at the moment and it's all systems go for Saturday.

"He showed last time that he copes with ease in the ground but I think he is also effective on a faster surface."

The three-year-old proved disappointing in the Britannia Stakes on his latest visit to Ascot, but Bell believes connections learnt a lot from the race and he is expecting a much better show on Saturday.

"He handled the quick ground well enough at the Royal meeting and although I was initially disappointed, I think we learnt from the race that he needs to be produced very late," added Bell.

"It was a big learning curve for us that day and hopefully he has a big chance this weekend."

Redford remains at the head of the betting for the competitive handicap, although Coral's David Stevens senses that could change in the near future, with Lovelace coming in for strong support.

"Redford has been favourite for this race since betting was opened, but in recent days all the money has been for Lovelace to gain compensation for his unlucky Bunbury Cup run," said Stevens.

"It would be no surprise to see him replace Redford at the head of the market."

Totesport International: 5-1 Redford, 11-2 Lovelace, 8-1 Musaalem, 10-1 King's Apostle, Mastership, Zaahid, 12-1 Artimino, Little White Lie, 14-1 Regal Parade, 16-1 Carniolan, Giganticus, Hitchens, We'll Come, 20-1 bar.

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