Duke Of Marmalade will face a maximum of nine rivals as he attempts a mile and a half for the first time in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The middle-distance summer showpiece has attracted 10 confirmations at the five-day stage, with four of those representing the all-conquering Aidan O'Brien stable.

In addition to Tattersalls Gold Cup and Prince Of Wales's Stakes winner Duke Of Marmalade, Ballydoyle could also call upon the services of Coral-Eclipse victor Mount Nelson, Hardwicke hero Macarthur and Red Rock Canyon.

O'Brien saddled Dylan Thomas to victory 12 months ago, and the runner-up on that occasion, Youmzain, has stood his ground following his deserved success in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

Sir Michael Stoute, whose last win in the race came with Golan in 2002, has both Papal Bull and Ask engaged this time, with last year's St Leger winner Lucarno representing John Gosden.

Godolphin dominated the race in the mid-1990s, winning it for

three consecutive years from 1997, and Sheikh Mohammed's operation has Literato engaged, with outsider Petara Bay - owned by Formula One supremo Bernie Eccleston - completing the field.

A total of 17 were engaged prior to the latest forfeits, but there were no surprises among those taken out.

O'Brien removed four from the race, including Irish Oaks winner Moonstone, as he bids for a remarkable 14th Group One success of the season.

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor was responsible for the other three withdrawals, and elected not to supplement 2006 Derby fourth Hala Bek after his impressive comeback run at Nottingham earlier in the month.

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