Confirmed runners and riders for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot

Love and Lord North remain on course for a fascinating clash in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (4.20) at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, although Addeybb will not feature in the day-two highlight.

A brilliant winner of last year's 1,000 Guineas and Oaks, Love is set to make a much-anticipated first start since winning the Yorkshire Oaks last August.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained filly missed last season's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe due to testing conditions, but looks poised to take on the boys for the first time in the 1m2f Group 1.

Prince of Wales's racecard and betting

Lord North was an impressive winner of the Prince of Wales's last year and returns to defend his crown on the back of a dominant success in the Dubai Turf at Meydan in March.

O'Brien has also confirmed Huxley Stakes winner Armory for the race and, in the absence of multiple Group 1 winner Addeybb, trainer William Haggas relies on My Oberon.

Addeybb has shown a preference for a softer surface, and although thunderstorms are forecast at Ascot, they are not due to arrive until Wednesday evening.

Haggas said: "We've minded him so far in his career and are not going to run him on good to firm now at his age. It's going to rain at some time and it's just unfortunate. The next logical place is the Eclipse."

On My Oberon, the trainer added: "He's got quite a lot to find, but he likes fast ground and we're putting on cheekpieces to try to find a little bit of improvement."

Breeders' Cup heroine Audarya, Sangarius and Desert Encounter complete the line-up.

Lord North has been usurped as favourite by Love for the Prince of Wales's with Ladbrokes.

Nicola McGeady, representing the bookmaker, said on Monday afternoon: "In the last hour, Love has replaced Lord North as the favourite. There's a lot of money about for her, but with Frankie [Dettori] on board Lord North, the betting could easily flip again come Wednesday."

Lady Bowthorpe, who chased home Palace Pier in last month's Lockinge Stakes, faces 12 rivals in the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes (3.40).

Leading contenders Astro King, Layfayette and Irish Admiral made the cut for the Royal Hunt Cup (5.00) with Pepperoni Pete last in and Path Of Thunder, Variyann and Repertoire the reserves.

Prince of Wales's runners and riders

Armory Seamie Heffernan
Desert Encounter Andrea Atzeni
Lord North Frankie Dettori
My Oberon Tom Marquand
Sangarius Colin Keane
Audarya William Buick
Love Ryan Moore

Ladbrokes betting: 13-8 Love, 7-4 Lord North, 3-1 Armory, 16-1 Audarya, 28-1 My Oberon, Sangarius, 50-1 Desert Encounter

Read more on Royal Ascot 2021:

The six jockeys and trainers who could enjoy a Royal Ascot breakthrough

The must-watch race on each of the five days at Royal Ascot

Dettori adds to strong hand as he guns for third straight Royal Ascot crown

The Punting Club Royal Ascot special: 'She's my best – and only – bet in a two-year-old race'

'Surely 5-2 is a joke?' – the claims of six Royal Ascot favourites assessed

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