Luxembourg against the Derby winner

Ascot, Wednesday, 21 June: On the second day of the Royal Ascot Festival, the Prince of Wales`s Stakes (4th race/17.20/1 million pounds/2004m) will take centre stage. Twelve months ago State Of Rest from the stable of Joseph O`Brien triumphed and his successor could be Luxembourg (Ryan Moore), saddled by Aidan O`Brien, who was the winner two years ago with Love. The four-year-old recently proved his great class in the Tattersalls Gold Cup (Group 1) with a sure victory over Bay Bridge (Richard Kingscote). Sir Michael Stoute`s protégé lost with honour in the previous year and later made up for the victory in the Champion Stakes (Group 1). By half a length, the New Bay son defeated My Prospero (Tom Marquand) as well as the English Derby winner Adayar (William Buick), who rehearsed most successfully for today`s task in the Gordon Richard Stakes (Group 3). Mostahdaf (Jim Crowley) pleased when second in the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) here at last year`s Festival. Most recently he ran in the Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) and finished fourth. Classic Causeway (Julien Leparoux) has kept his head above water with placings in the USA this year.

Further highlights will take place at Group 2 level. A duel between Born To Rock (William Buick) and Beautiful Diamond (Clifford Lee) is expected to kick off the Queen Mary Stakes. In the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes, Jumbly (Ryan Moore) will be tested by Prosperous Voyage (Frankie Dettori) and Grande Dame (Jamie Spencer) and in the Queen`s Vase, Gregory (Frankie Dettori) and Circle of Fire (Richard Kingscote) are just two of several contenders for victory.