17 run in Ascot Gold Cup

Only two overnight defections at the final 48-hour stage means a field of 17 is set to go to post for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on Thursday.

Mark Johnston has taken out And Beyond, who won the Queen`s Vase at this meeting last year, while Godolphin have withdrawn Alunissage.

Dermot Weld`s Vinnie Roe looks set to go off a very warm order indeed to give Ireland its first win in the two and a half mile marathon since Enzeli beat the James Fanshawe-trained Invermark in 1999.

And Invermark will once again try and land Britain`s premier staying prize, as will last year`s enigmatic winner, Johnston`s Royal Rebel.

He beat Persian Punch by a head in the Stg£220,000 showpiece and David Elsworth`s immensely popular nine-year-old will try and lift the crown once more, although he has yet to win at the Berkshire track.

Alan Jarvis` Jardines Lookout, third last year at 25-1, takes his chance again.

Godolphin have taken this event three times in the past with Classic Cliche (1996) and Kayf Tara (1998 and 2000) and rely on Wareed and Hatha Anna in this year`s renewal.

Johnston also saddles Akbar, while Luke Comer`s Chimes At Midnight, third in the Rothmans Royals St Leger two years ago, adds further Irish flavour.

Another interesting contender is John Dunlop`s Give Notice, conqueror of Persian Punch in the Sagaro Stakes here on his last start.