BEN HUTTON

1. Stradivarius 2. Cross Counter 3. Falcon Eight Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter is a new challenger for Stradivarius but the staying division reign of last year’s Gold

Cup winner can continue at this year’s royal meeting. Godolphin’s Cross Counter can give the John Gosdentrained five-year-old plenty to think about but does need to find something extra if he is to beat the champion. Dermot Weld’s Royal Ascot runners are always worth a second look and the unexposed and well-bred Falcon Eight has plenty of staying potential.