White Birch and Auguste Rodin, first and second in last month's Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1) at the Curragh, are on course to renew their rivalry in the June 19 Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1).
Trained by John Murphy, White Birch proved three lengths too strong for Auguste Rodin at the Curragh but last year's Epsom Derby and Irish Derby (both G1) hero is favorite to turn the tables in the feature race on Day 2 of the royal meeting.
The pair were among 13 confirmations for the race revealed June 13, with Queen Anne Stakes (G1) entry Inspiral and Coronation Cup (G1) scorer Luxembourg also entered.
Auguste Rodin is the 7-4 favorite with Coral, with White Birch next best at 9-4. French raider Horizon Dore at 7-1 and Inspiral at 8-1 follow in the betting.
"Although White Birch had Auguste Rodin comfortably behind him when they met at the Curragh last month, punters have sided firmly with the Ballydoyle colt to reverse that form at Ascot next week," said Coral's David Stevens.
The Prince of Wales's is a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series event for the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T), a race Auguste Rodin won last year at Santa Anita Park.
Duke of Cambridge Stakes
Last year's winner Rogue Millennium looks set to defend her crown in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes (G2) on the same day and is one of 19 contenders left in the group 2 contest over the straight mile.
Successful for trainer Tom Clover and owners the Rogues Gallery 12 months ago, Rogue Millennium was subsequently sold to Scott Heider for 1.65 million guineas (US$2,188,582) in December and is set to make her second start for trainer Joseph O'Brien at Ascot.
Laurel, not seen in action since disappointing when well fancied for last season's Lockinge Stakes (G1), remains in contention for the same race and is favorite to return with a win for John and Thady Gosden.
Royal Dress, who looked an unlucky loser when third in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes (G3) at Epsom, was supplemented for the race Thursday.
Queen's Vase
Derby fifth Sayedaty Sadaty features among 17 entries for the Queen's Vase (G2). Sent off at 50-1 at Epsom, Sayedaty Sadaty finished 7 1/2 lengths behind City of Troy and could be joined in the Queen's Vase by Mr Hampstead, who beat just one home in the Derby.
Aidan O'Brien has a possible team of seven for the race, including Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes runner-up Illinois and Chester Vase Stakes (G3) second Agenda.
