Jack Hobbs must defy a wide draw as he heads a cast of 13 for the Champion Stakes at Ascot.

John Gosden's Irish Derby winner skipped the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe earlier this month in favour of Saturday's race and remains a short-priced favourite.

The 5-4 favourite, Jack Hobbs has gate 12 and will start alongside his Godolphin-owned stablemate and pacemaker Maverick Wave.

"In a field of 13, we have drawn 12, near the outside. I have to agree with John Gosden, who described the draw as 'disappointing'," jockey William Buick said on the Godolphin website.

"John knows, as well as anybody, that the first bend comes up very quickly, and there will be a real jostle for an early position. You need some luck."

Aidan O'Brien, who has never won the Champion Stakes, relies on the filly Found, second in the Irish Champion Stakes and considered unlucky in the Arc.