Frankel heads Palace acceptors

Frankel features among 13 horses left in at the confirmation stage for the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

Henry Cecil’s brilliant winner of the 2000 Guineas puts his 100% record on the line as he goes for a third Group One success and a seventh career victory in all.

Khalid Abdullah’s magnificent colt has failed to frighten off the bulk of the potential opposition as other talented three-year-olds bid to knock him off his perch.

Dubawi Gold, who was six lengths behind him at Newmarket, could take him on again.

Richard Hannon’s charge has since finished second in the Irish 2000 Guineas. Aidan O’Brien, who won the Curragh Classic with Roderic O’Connor, relies on Alexander Pope and Zoffany.

David Simcock’s Dream Ahead could make his seasonal debut if ground conditions were to suit while Richard Fahey is keen to give Wootton Bassett another chance after he could only finish fifth in the French 2000 Guineas.

Marco Botti has left in German 2000 Guineas winner Excelebration, who was second to Frankel in the Greenham at Newbury.

Grand Prix Boss represents Japan while Temps Au Temps is the sole French entry.

The William Haggas-trained Fury, Godolphin’s Neebras, Barry Hills Rerouted and Tazahum from Michael Stoute’s stable complete the list of acceptors.