Glorious Goodwood 2017 – Michael Bell’s Big Orange one of sixteen declared for Tuesday’s Qatar Goodwood Cup
Big Orange is the odds-on favourite to win the race for a record three years in a row but he faces plenty of opposition as a big field is declared for the Sussex Downs contest
POPULAR stayer Big Orange is set to face 15 rivals as he bids to win the Qatar Goodwood Cup for a record third year on Tuesday.
Michael Bell's six-year-old goes to the Sussex track on the back of a memorable victory over Order Of St George in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
Order Of St George is skipping a rematch so Aidan O'Brien relies on US Army Ranger who will be joined on the ferry over by Willie Mullins' Wicklow Brave.
William Haggas is having a crack at the Gold Cup winner with Dal Harraild but knows it will be tough.
"Obviously we all petrified of Big Orange but I'm really thrilled with Dal Harraild," said Haggas.
"I'd like the ground to dry as he at his most effective on fast ground. Provided it's not too bad, I think he'll run a really good race."
James Fanshawe's Higher Power is back in Group company after winning the Northumberland Plate having previously finished second to Big Orange in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown.
Ralph Beckett runs both Gold Cup fourth She Is No Lady and 2015 St Leger heroine Simple Verse.
David Simcock's stalwart Sheikhzayedroad takes his chance as do other old favourites High Jinx, Pallastaor and Oriental Fox.
Queen's Vase winner Stradivarius, trained by John Gosden and David Elsworth's Desert Skyline are the two three-year-olds in the field Completing the line-up are Prince Of Arran, Qewy and Sweet Selection.