Ante-post favourite Order Of St George is one of 18 declared runners for the Gold Cup In Honour of The Queen's 90th Birthday at Royal Ascot on Thursday.

Aidan O'Brien's colt has won his last four races, including last season's Irish St Leger, in the style of a rapidly-progressive animal as his trainer looks to claim the race for a seventh time.

He is joined in the line-up by compatriot Max Dynamite, runner-up in last season's Melbourne Cup for trainer Willie Mullins and prominent National Hunt owner Rich Ricci.

Renowned mudlark Clever Cookie seems likely to have conditions in his favour as he renews rivalry with Sagaro Stakes winner Mizzou.

The third horse home at Ascot, Flying Officer, is also in the frame, as is Pallasator, who won the Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May.

Big Orange has not been declared by Michael Bell, but others of note include the David Simcock-trained duo of Curbyourenthusiasm and Sheikhzayedroad.

French stayer Mille Et Mille, winner of the Prix du Cadran at the Arc meeting in the autumn, adds a touch of Gallic intrigue, with the runner-up at Longchamp, Kicky Blue, another cross-Channel contender.

IRISH RUNNERS

Other declared Irish-trained runners on the third day are Peace Envoy for Aidan O'Brien in the Norfolk, Blue De Vega for Michael O'Callaghan and Long Island Sound for Aidan O'Brien in the Tercentenary Stakes, Even Song for Aidan O'Brien in the Ribblesdale; Sevenleft, a first runner for Sheila Lavery, Monarch for Aidan O'Brien, Pacodali for Johnny Murtagh in the Britannia Handicap and in the final race the King George V Handicap, The Major General for Aidan O'Brien,