The Norfolk Stakes (G2) has been billed as one of the best of the meeting and the June 22 opener is on course to be a thriller with Elite Status and American Rascal entered.
The former shot to favoritism when producing a breathtaking performance in the National Stakes at Sandown, but his Wesley Ward-trained rival is a particularly exciting one, given he is the first progeny of Ascot legend Lady Aurelia .
The international challenge is boosted by Fandom , another for Ward, while George Weaver sends over stakes winner No Nay Mets , who is due to be auctioned at the Goffs London Sale on Monday, June 19.
Asadna, Devious, Johannes Brahms, The Fixer, and Thunder Blue are also in the 29-runner list of entries.
Coltrane, Edlar Eldarov Vie for Ascot Gold Cup
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Leading Gold Cup (G1) fancies Coltrane and Eldar Eldarov are among 15 confirmations for Royal Ascot’s highlight June 22, the third day of the meeting.
Eldar Eldarov (right) wins the 2022 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot
The line-up for the signature staying prize also includes 2021 winner Subjectivist and dual group 1 scorer Trueshan , despite the ground as of Friday being quicker than his ideal for the Alan King-trained stayer.
New additions to the division include the Aidan O’Brien-trained Emily Dickinson and the unbeaten John and Thady Gosden runner Courage Mon Ami, who is set to be stepped up in grade and trip following a decisive victory in a Goodwood handicap.
Bookmakers differ on the favorite for the 2 1/2-mile prize, with William Hill offering 5-2 on Eldar Eldarov and Paddy Power putting up the same price for Coltrane. The latter rubber-stamped his chances with an easy win in the Sagaro Stakes (G3) last month.
Eldar Eldarov was second on his only start of the campaign in the Yorkshire Cup Stakes (G2) but was a winner at Royal Ascot in the Queen’s Vase (G2) 12 months ago before going on to classic glory in the St Leger (G1) in September.
Yibir , Broome , and the Willie Mullins-trained Echoes in Rain also featured at the confirmation stage, while 16-1 chance Point Lonsdale was the shortest-priced of the five who have been removed from the line-up.
Al Asifah Given Ribblesdale Entry
Last Sunday’s impressive Goodwood winner Al Asifah was supplemented for the Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) at a cost of £13,125, one of 22 still aiming at the fillies’ group 2 contest.
She was priced up at odds-on after connections suggested they would consider running her at the royal meeting. The John and Thady Gosden-trained runner produced an outstanding performance in the Keyser Fillies Stakes at Goodwood.
Infinite Cosmos missed the Oaks (G1) at Epsom but could be set to appear for Sir Michael Stoute. She was third in the Musidora Stakes (G3) last time out and the form has been boosted with Soul Sister going on to strike in the classic.
Caernarfon in Hampton Court Line-up
Oaks third Caernarfon was among 20 entries for the Hampton Court Stakes (G3) but did not feature in the Ribblesdale Stakes.
Jack Channon said earlier this week the Ascot contests would be an option for the daughter of Cityscape , who has run creditably in the two fillies’ classics this season and regular jockey Connor Beasley has already been booked to ride.
Ryan Moore is also confirmed to partner Aidan O’Brien’s exciting raider Drumroll , a promoted winner of the Gallinule Stakes (G3) at the Curragh last time out, while Frankie Dettori partners Epictetus .