Willie Ryan was yesterday given the green light to partner Benny The Dip in his British farewell in the Dubai Champion Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. He was called up by trainer John Gosden to continue a Derby-winning association following discussions with American-based owner Landon Knight.

Benny The Dip, bidding to reverse placings with his Eclipse conqueror Pilsudski, was confirmed a runner late on Monday, but the booking of Ryan was delayed until yesterday.

The arrangement has continued since their Epsom triumph but only because of the unavailability of Frankie Dettori, who partners Stowaway in this weekend's big race.

Olivier Peslier, a known favourite of Knight's, is committed to Andre Fabre's Loup Sauvage.

Aidan O'Brien has yet to commit Desert King to the contest but Kieren Fallon is favourite to take the mount should the colt run.

A spokesman at Ballydoyle said yesterday: "It's a possibility that Kieren Fallon will ride him. But Aidan won't finalise running plans or jockey arrangements until tomorrow."

Betting on the event has centred on Bahhare who was cut from 12 to 1 to 10 to 1 by Coral. Stowaway was eased to 7 to 1 (from 6 to 1). Persistent drizzle in Newmarket, 10mm in the last two days, has resulted in the going changing from good to good to soft in the straight and good elsewhere.

Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Dorans Pride will carry top-weight of 12st in Sunday's Munster National at Limerick. Trainer Michael Hourigan confirmed the eight-year-old's place in the £20,000 race yesterday. The decision means that every other horse in the race will run from out of the handicap. Dorans Pride is currently 6 to 1 favourite for the Cheltenham showpiece in which he finished third last season.