George faces 17 rivals in Gold Cup Ante-post favourite Order Of St George will bid to provide Aidan O'Brien with his seventh success in the Gold Cup In Honour of The Queen's 90th Birthday at Royal Ascot after 18 were declared for the marathon on Thursday. The Ballydoyle-based colt has won his last four races, including last season's Irish St Leger, in the style of a rapidly-progressive animal. He is joined in the line-up by compatriot Max Dynamite, runner-up in last season's Melbourne Cup for trainer Willie Mullins and prominent National Hunt owner Rich Ricci. Renowned mudlark Clever Cookie seems likely to have conditions in his favour as he renews rivalry with Sagaro Stakes winner Mizzou. The third horse home at Ascot, Flying Officer, is also in the frame, as is Pallasator, who won the Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May. Big Orange has not been declared by Michael Bell, but others of note include the David Simcock-trained duo of Curbyourenthusiasm and Sheikhzayedroad. French stayer Mille Et Mille, winner of the Prix du Cadran at the Arc meeting in the autumn, adds a touch of Gallic intrigue, with the runner-up at Longchamp, Kicky Blue, another cross-Channel contender.
