The prospect of a small field in the Newmarket Handicap has added a tactical dimension to the race.

But it is something Terravista's rider Hugh Bowman will relish.

Saturday's Group One Newmarket (1200m) brings together the three highest-rated sprinters on international rankings in Lankan Rupee, Terravista and Chautauqua with the three-year-old Brazen Beau, to be ridden by leading Hong Kong rider Joao Moreira, a wild card.

It is expected there will be only seven or eight runners when final declarations are taken on Wednesday.

The smallest field in recent years was in 2005 when Alinghi faced nine rivals and beat Fastnet Rock.

"The small field is interesting," Bowman said.

"To be honest it doesn't worry me. There will be less traffic but it will make it more tactical.

"It will be a good race nonetheless."

Terravista defeated Chautauqua and Lankan Rupee when the trio met at level weights in the Darley Classic and in the Newmarket he will be in receipt of 2kg from the Lightning Stakes winner while giving 1kg to Chautauqua.

Brazen Beau, who won the Coolmore Stud Stakes against his own age group in November, has 52kg.

The Joe Pride-trained Terravista is on the fourth line of betting for the race at $6 with Chautauqua the $2.70 favourite.

Lankan Rupee is $3.40 and Brazen Beau $5.

Bowman is not daunted by the fact that Terravista will be going into the Newmarket for his first start since his Darley Classic win last November.

No horse has won the race first-up since Polycrates in 1917.

"How many have been aimed at it?" Bowman said.

"He's had a couple of trials and has been aimed at the race since he won the Darley Classic.

"It's been his target and he's on track."