Crafty Cockney Favourite For Palace Rule

Cockney Rebel is Bet Direct´s 11-8 favourite with Dutch Art a 9-4 chance to turn around Newmarket form when they clash in the St James´s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot tomorrow.

Geoff Huffer´s charge has claimed both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas this term and he will clash with some old rivals as he bids to extend his Group One-winning run.

The Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained Dutch Art reopposes after finishing third at Headquarters, while Creachadoir, who was second in both the French and Irish Guineas, will be trying for a first success at the highest level.

Duke Of Marmalade was fourth at both Newmarket and the Curragh and he is part of a three-strong team for Aidan O´Brien.

French 2000 Guineas victor Astronomer Royal heads the Ballydoyle party with the Longchamp fourth Excellent Art also declared.

Irish Guineas third He´s A Decoy represents David Wachman while a high-class line-up is completed by Brian Meehan´s UAE Derby second Jack Junior.

VC Bet are slighter longer at 6-4 about Cockney Rebel and are hopeful of getting a result.

Spokesman Neal Wilkins said: 'We went an industry top offer of 13-8 last week and that price proved extremely attractive to a number of high rollers.

'Many will consider him to be a banker on the opening day, but we believe in Dutch and Excellent that we have got a couple of Arts running for us!'

(C) PA Sport