Marmalade the pick at Ascot

Duke Of Marmalade will face seven rivals as he bids to provide Aidan O'Brien with his 14th Group One victory of the season in Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

The Ballydoyle supremo is enjoying a superlative campaign and even has the luxury of Hardwicke Stakes winner Macarthur as his second string.

Red Rock Canyon will also represent Coolmore and is expected to take up pace-making duties.

Trainer O'Brien told The Racing Post: "We are looking at running Macarthur and Red Rock Canyon in addition to Duke Of Marmalade. Mount Nelson won't be running.

"Johnny (Murtagh) rides Duke Of Marmalade, while Seamie (Heffernan) will be on Macarthur. Colm (O'Donoghue) rides Red Rock Canyon."

Stoute candidates

Youmzain, runner-up to O'Brien's Dylan Thomas in both this race and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last season, arrives on a high having landed the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last time.

Mick Channon's consistent five-year-old will be running in his 11th consecutive Group One race.

Sir Michael Stoute has two strong candidates in Papal Bull and Ask as he aims for a first win since Golan's triumph in 2002.

Last year's St Leger winner Lucarno will represent John Gosden and arrives in top form having won the Princess Of Wales's Stakes on his most recent outing.

Terry Mills' Petara Bay, third behind Lucarno and Papal Bull last time out, completes the field.