Stradivarius set for Gold Cup tilt

Stradivarius is set to face 12 rivals when he goes in search of a record-equalling fourth triumph in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on Thursday. 

The highly impressive stayer, who is trained by John and Thady Gosden, will match Yeats' record if he seals victory under Frankie Dettori this week. 

Meanwhile, trainer Alan King has suggested that Trueshan could be withdrawn from the field if forecast rain arrives to ease the current good to firm ground. 

Trueshan was a Group Two winner over two miles at Ascot last year and he will be partnered by Hollie Doyle. 

Nayef Road, who finished second and 10 lengths behind Stradivarius 12 months ago, is involved, while Spanish Mission runs for Andrew Balding. 

Aidan O'Brien fields a trio of runners, with Serpentine, Amhran Bhiann and Santiago hoping to cause an upset. 

Stoute's Star heads Ribblesdale Stakes field

Sir Michael Stoute's Noon Star is the leading contender in a 13-deep field in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

The three-year-old has shown a lot of promise in her short career to date, winning two of four outings, and connections have high hopes. 

Mark Johnston's Dubai Fountain is the highest-rated filly in the 1m 3f 211y contest, while Roger Varian's Eshaada is defending the only unbeaten record in the race. 

John and Thady Gosden have three entries in the shape of Gloria Mundi, Loving Dream and Taslima. 

Divinely runs for Aidan O'Brien and David Simcock's Ad Infintum, who was emphatic when causing a shock in the Height Of Fashion Stakes, will be eyeing another upset. 

Dettori makes winning start at Ascot

Frankie Dettori steered Palace Pier to glory in the opening Queen Anne Stakes to kick off an exciting week of action at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. 

Palace Pier was kicked on in the final furlong and finished a length and a half clear of Lope Y Fernandez, while Sir Busker was a further length back in third. 

Dettori said: "It's the first time he's run on this type of ground and he's not let himself down as good as he could. 

"He's still won a Group 1 and he's shown again that he's the best around. I think on easier ground he's got a little more to give. It's a pressure ride and you want everything to go right and it did." 

Poetic Flare continues to impress

Jim Bolger's Poetic Flare put in another stunning run to win the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

The three-year-old claimed the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket earlier this term but after coming up short in the French and Irish equivalents, he was under pressure to perform on Tuesday. 

After travelling calmly throughout, Poetic Flare forced his way into the lead with two furlongs remaining and went unchallenged to the line. 

Lucky Vega came home second, with Battleground in third to wrap up a clean sweep for Irish-trained runners.