Light heads 19 Gold Cup possibles

Leading Light, winner of the Queen’s Vase 12 months ago, heads the ante-post market for next Thursday’s Ascot Gold Cup after the latest declaration stage yesterday.

Victorious in the Ladbrokes St Leger in September, Aidan O’Brien’s charge has already demonstrated his well-being this term when taking the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan with some authority.

The Ballydoyle handler also has El Salvador, Ernest Hemingway and Eye Of The Storm, while other Irish-trained possibles are Simenon, last year’s runner-up for Willie Mullins, Royal Diamond, Saddler’s Rock, Ralston Road, Missunited and Pale Mimosa.