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Cracksman leads seven contenders for Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot

Getty Images
Getty Images

Cracksman will face just six rivals in Wednesday's Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

John Gosden's four-year-old is unbeaten in his last five starts, including victories in the Champion Stakes last October and the Prix Ganay on his seasonal bow.

He made hard work of winning the Coronation Cup at Epsom at the start of the month, but is still a hot favourite for this 10-furlong Group One.

Charlie Appleby's Hawkbill won the Dubai Sheema Classic in March, but was beaten 25 lengths by Cracksman when fifth in the Coronation Cup and tries his luck again here.

Aidan O'Brien relies on Cliffs Of Moher, who was last seen when second behind sidelined stablemate Lancaster Bomber in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last time out.

Eminent is another runner on the comeback trail for Martyn Meade after disappointing when last of five on his seasonal return at Chester.

Poet's Word got back to winning ways last time out for Sir Michael Stoute when down in class, but was second to Hawkbill in Dubai and filled the same position behind Cracksman in the Champion stakes.

The field is completed by David Simcock's Desert Encounter and Royal Julius, who is trained in France and was a winner in Italy last time out.