Dual Champion Hurdle hero Hardy Eustace heads a smart field of eight as he bids for back-to-back victories in the Coral Ascot Hurdle at the English venue tomorrow.

Godolphin’s Stage Gift is making a habit of being cast as the stable second string but it has not stopped him picking up two valuable contests this season.

BRUNEL landed a share of first prize in the Prix de la Porte Maillot at Longchamp yesterday after lightning knocked out the photo-finish equipment.