Stradivarius faces seven in Gold Cup hat-trick bid at Royal Ascot

Stradivarius will take on seven runners in his quest for a third consecutive victory in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on Thursday, as the declarations for the third day of the meeting were revealed.

The John Gosden-trained six-year-old's principal challengers include 2018 Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter, recent Sagaro Stakes winner Nayef Road and the improving Technician. Prince Of Arran, Mekong and Moonlight Spirit also feature in the Group 1 showpiece.

Fifteen runners will contest the Group 3 Jersey Stakes, including the unbeaten King Leonidas – who will be ridden by Frankie Dettori – taking on Lord of The Lodge, Celestin and Repartee.

The Listed Wolferton Stakes has attracted a quality field including last season's Derby fifth Sir Dragonet, Dubai Warrior and the progressive Fox Tal.

The profile of the Chesham Stakes grew significantly following the rise to juvenile stardom of last season's winner Pinatubo, and nine contenders feature in this year's line-up. First-time-out winner Modern News tops the betting.

In the handicaps, Sun Power tops the field in the Britannia and the new 1m2f Golden Gates Handicap is headed by Highland Chief. Dettori will carry the Godolphin blue with Sandringham top-weight Dubai Love.

Change of plan for Born With Pride

William Haggas has swerved Tuesday's Ribblesdale Stakes and instead will go to the Queen's Vase with Born With Pride.

He hopes by Friday conditions will be a bit softer to the benefit of the daughter of Born To Sea. She is a general 5-1 chance for the Group 2 contest, raced over 1m6f.

Haggas said: "Born With Pride isn't running in the Ribblesdale as she's going for the Queen's Vase. The forecast is a bit more unsettled and we're hoping to get some rain by Friday."

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