Warrsan set for hat-trick bid

Warrsan will face a maximum of eight rivals at Epsom on Friday as he bids for an unprecedented third consecutive Vodafone Coronation Cup.

Clive Brittain’s seven-year-old beat a particularly strong field that included Doyen and Vallee Enchantee when completing back-to-back victories in the Group One race last year.

Godolphin’s Papineau, winner of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, would appear to be one of the main rivals this time after finishing a satisfactory fifth at York on his seasonal bow.

The field has an international flavour to it with Pride, who was disqualified after getting very close to Bago last time in the Prix Ganay, and Andre Fabre’s Reefscape representing French interests.

Group One winner Shirocco is the only German-trained runner while Aidan O’Brien relies on one-time Derby favourite Yeats.

Completing the field are Alkaadhem, Jockey Club Stakes winner Alkaased and Bandari.