Sir Michael Stoute has firmed up bookings for his trio of major players in the Vodafone Derby at Epsom.

Stable jockey Ryan Moore is preferring Tartan Bearer, with Kerrin McEvoy likely to be snapped up for Chester Vase winner Doctor Fremantle.

Richard Hills is the retained rider for fellow Chester scorer Tajaaweed, the subject of favourable gallop reports on Wednesday.

"I am pretty certain Ryan would ride Tartan Bearer," said Stoute. "McEvoy has ridden Dr Fremantle in a couple of pieces of work and we're hoping he'll be available."

Of Tajaaweed's workout, the master trainer added: "I'm very happy with him. The lead horse is fairly moderate but he did it well.

"He's not the orthodox model - he's 16'3 (hands) - but I always think Chester is a pretty good prep and he handled that well.

"He has an awful lot of talent. There's a slight doubt about staying - the dam's a half-sister to Mr Greeley - but it's not a one-dimensional sprinting family and he's always given the indication he will stay a mile and a half.

"Tartan Bearer should have won at Newmarket in the autumn but was shut off and finished second.

"He's never going to win by far as he's very laid-back. On the formbook he's very progressive.

"I think he was rated 85 after winning at Leicester and then won the Dante. The Dante will have sharpened him up mentally as well.

"All being well, Doctor Fremantle will be supplemented on Monday.

"He's beautifully balanced, medium-sized and will act and travel."