Charles set to rule over Norfolk rivals

CHARLES DARWIN (2.30) is ready to rock in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes and start a run of excellent results for Ballydoyle.

- By The Scout

Aidan O'Brien and jockey Ryan Moore also hold Ascot Gold Cup ace Illinois in their day three pack.

And Charles Darwin is poised to snap a losing streak of favourites in the five-furlong opener, heading there with plenty of experience.

A brother to Group One-winning juvenile Blackbeard, the son of No Nay Never benefited from his debut to come out on top at Navan and Naas by an average of four lengths - and he has not reached the bottom of the barrel.

SERIOUS CONTENDER (3.05) is the next member of the team, tackling the King George V Stakes over 1m4f.

Thought good enough to be given an Irish Derby entry, he was doing all his best work in the closing stages of a ten-furlong handicap at Leopardstown.