Cockney Rebel likely to face strong Palace field

COCKNEY REBEL will face a maximum of 10 rivals in his bid to land the St James’s Palace Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot next week.

Geoff Huffer’s dual 2000 Guineas winner is in line to emulate the 2002 efforts of the brilliant Rock Of Gibraltar, the last horse to win both the English and Irish Guineas and then follow up at Royal Ascot.

If he is to be successful, however, he will have to fend off a five-strong attack by Aidan O’Brien.