Stoute’s Passenger in the driving seat to claim victory in ten-furlong Ascot trip

Passenger can make a winning start to his season in the Ire-incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Huxley Stakes at Chester.

The four-year-old has been off the track since winning the Group Three Weatherbys Global Stallions Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor by a short head from West Wind Blows in August. That win followed a disappointing run in the Derby, where he beat only two of his 14 rivals.

The Sir Michael Stoutetrained

colt should relish today’s extended ten-furlong trip and has form on the ground.

Grand Providence holds strong claims in the Duke Of Westminster Supporting The Chester Cup.

The four-year-old filly won three of her nine starts last season and only finished outside the top three on one occasion, when trailing home 16th in the Cesarewitch in a race won by The Shunter who reopposes here.

She should reverse that form and has won at the distance in the Cesarewitch trial at Newmarket last season. Grand Providence was not disgraced when third on her seasonal reappearance at Newbury, beaten three lengths by Prince Alex and despite being one of the youngest horses in the race, her stamina should stand her in good stead.

Liamarty Dreams can make it a hat-trick of victories in the opening CAA Stellar Earl Grosvenor Handicap over seven and a half furlongs.

The five-year-old has won over course and distance and has a perfect record in the 2024 season.

The gelding started his campaign with victory at Doncaster before following that up with an impressive run when making all to win at Musselburgh over seven furlongs.

Ephesus can break his maiden for Aidan O'brien in the Boodles Darley "Confined" Maiden Stakes.

He caught the eye when third on his debut last month on the all-weather at Dundalk and should come on for that run.

Polar Princess can carry her all-weather form on to turf in the Horse PWR Apprentice Handicap. She followed up two second places with a maiden victory at Newcastle and under Tyler Heard can make back-to-back visits to the winner's enclosure.

Dragon Leader can return from a 216-day absence in style in the Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Style Handicap at Ascot. Winner of four of his five starts, he can step up to seven furlongs despite giving weight to all five rivals.