SALISBURY Racecourse's most valuable race of the season goes under starter's orders today.

With a £60,000 purse up for grabs, a top class field lines up at 4.15pm for the totesport Sovereign Stakes (Class A) contest which has been newly upgraded to a Group 3 race.

It will be first time the Netherhampton track has hosted a Group race for almost 20 years. The upgrade reflects the high quality of recent Sovereign Stakes winners, who have gone on to win further major races.

Today's meeting sees a full supporting card with many of the sport's top jockeys, trainers and owners in attendance.

Clerk of the course Jeremy Martin, said: "We're thrilled by the quality of the 12 runners for the Sovereign Stakes. Any big course would be pleased to put on a race like this.

"It's the most valuable race in the course's history and it promises to be a cracker."

Among the favourites is sure to be the Mark Johnston-trained Lucky Story which had won four races on the trot last year and was hotly tipped for 2,000 Guineas success before picking up an injury. Daryl Holland is on board for the horse's seasonal debut.

There will also be plenty of support for champion jockey challenger Frankie Dettori (right) on Saeed Bin Suroor's Ancient World.

Last year's winner Passing Glance, who pipped the 2002 victor Priors Lodge at the post, will defend his success. Martin Dwyer is again on board the Andrew Balding-trained horse wearing the famous black and gold silks of the late Paul Mellon.

Making the short trip from David Elworth's Whitsbury yard is Norse Dancer.