Steinbeck to write new Royal Ascot chapter

Always held in high regard at Ballydoyle, the Footstepsinthesand colt was beaten just half a length in last season's Dewhurst on only his second start. It was apparently a rush to get him ready for the Irish 2000 Guineas but he ran a promising race to finish fourth to Canford Cliffs.

"You always hope you can turn the tables on a horse," said O'Brien. "The Curragh was his first run back, he ran a lovely race, got a little tired and then stayed on at the finish."

Canford Cliffs finally lived up to his connections' expectations at the Curragh, having finished only third in the Newmarket Guineas, and trainer Richard Hannon is confident of another bold showing. The East Everleigh handler said: "He has improved physically since our Guineas and now looks tremendous."

Hannon also has a fine second representative in Dick Turpin, runner-up in the English and French Guineas.

Makfi is the French raider who beat Hannon's duo at Newmarket and trainer Mikel Delzangles is looking forward to renewing rivalry with Canford Cliffs.

It will be the first time Makfi has tackled a bend on Tuesday and he will also have a new partner in Olivier Peslier, but Delzangles does not believe either factor will hinder his chances.

"I don't think the track will be a problem for our horse as he is very handy," the trainer said.

"He is a very easy ride and I think Olivier will get on very well with him."

French jockey Christophe Lemaire partnered Makfi to victory in the Guineas at Newmarket but rides the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained Siyouni.

The meeting gets off to a thrilling start with a top-class field assembled for the Queen Anne Stakes. Last year's winner Paco Boy bids for back-to-back victories and while he looks better than ever this season, preference must be for French mare Goldikova, who benefits from a 3lb sex allowance.

The other Group 1 heat on the opening day is the King's Stand Stakes and Kingsgate Native is taken to claim a second Royal Ascot win.

O'Brien can take home a second win of the day courtesy of Zoffany in the Coventry Stakes.

Ghimaar was Listed-placed on the flat for Dermot Weld and now with Nicky Henderson he is an eyecatching runner in the Ascot Stakes, particularly as Kieren Fallon is booked to ride.

Boundless Spirit can take the next step up the ladder following a Beverley conditions win with success in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes.