A corporate bookmaker has posted Happy Clapper as favourite for the Group Two Villiers Stakes, something his trainer takes with a grain of salt.

Pat Webster is under no illusions about the task ahead of the talented gelding in his first foray in stakes company.

"Markets don't mean a thing," Webster said.

"I'll take it as a compliment to the horse and hope he can deliver."

One thing in Happy Clapper's favour is his will to win, something he demonstrated at Rosehill last Saturday week when he powered home from back in the field to win over 1500 metres.

He steps up to 1600m on Saturday when he takes on a class field at Randwick.

"He had a very hard run under 60-1/2 kilos last time so we haven't had to do a lot with him," Webster said.

"He drops to the limit on Saturday so he will appreciate that."

Brenton Avdulla, who has ridden Happy Clapper to his past two wins, take the ride again in the Villiers.

There were 26 nominations taken on Monday for Sydney's summer showpiece including 2013 winner Ninth Legion and last year's runner-up I'm Imposing.

Darren Weir has entered 2014 New Zealand Derby winner Puccini who ran second to Villiers rival Casino Dancer in the Group Three Eclipse Stakes at Sandown for his new trainer.

Formerly with Peter McKay, dual Group One winner Puccini remained in Melbourne after three spring starts with his owners hoping to snare an Australian black-type win to enhance his future at stud.

The Chris Waller-trained Telepathic was the $5.50 second favourite in sportsbet.com.au's opening market on Monday.

A last-start winner of the Listed ATC Cup, Telepathic drops 400 metres in distance for the Villiers, something Waller believes is in her favour.