Mr Dinos heads 17 in Gold Cup

Last year’s winner Mr Dinos heads 17 horses in the Ascot Gold Cup after today’s confirmation stage.

The Paul Cole-trained gelding is without a win since he beat Persian Punch by six lengths in 2003.

But he ran his best race since when a close second to Papineau at Sandown last time out, trying to give 7lb to the progressive Godolphin hope, who reopposes on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohammed’s outfit are also responsible for Highest, New South Wales and Songlark as they seek a fourth success in the Royal Ascot feature after Classic Cliche (1996) and Kayf Tara (1998 and 2000).

Dual winner Royal Rebel, successful in 2001 and 2002, has been left in by Mark Johnston, as has the Middleham trainer’s Darasim.

Ireland hold a strong hand with Brian Boru and Vinnie Roe.

Aidan O’Brien’s Brian Boru, winner of the St Leger last year, is a fascinating contender but he has never raced beyond a mile and three-quarters and two of his three starts this term have been at 10 furlongs.

O’Brien has also confirmed the once-raced Excalibur.

The Dermot Weld-trained Vinnie Roe is a high-class performer and was beaten less than a length by Royal Rebel in 2002.

Foreign flavour comes from France in the shape of the Elie Lellouche-trained Westerner and from the Far East with Japan’s Ingrandire who, as expected, was supplemented for the race this morning.

Gold Cup: Alcazar, Chimes At Midnight, Darasim, Dusky Warbler, Highest, Mr Dinos, Royal Rebel, Savannah Bay, Vinnie Roe, Westerner, Brian Boru, Excalibur, Misternando, New South Wales, Papineau, Songlark, Ingrandire (17).