Jonathan Pease believes Maxios can buck trends in Ascot's QEII Stakes I haven't had many runners at Ascot. I was beaten a neck in the King's Stand Stakes in 1997 with Titus Livius which doesn't augur too well. Instead of a fourth clash of the year with Dawn Approach, Hannon, who yesterday equalled his best seasonal tally of 218 winners when Trees of Grace won at Lingfield, will likely re-route Toronado to the Breeders" Cup at Santa Anita next month where fast ground is guaranteed. The 'will she, won't she" saga surrounding Sky Lantern seems to have been resolved and the brilliant grey will stay at home on Saturday but still has Hong Kong on her agenda. After 32,000 turned up to see ­Frankel last year, Ascot are expecting a slightly more modest 24,000 this time but stressed that tickets will be available on the gate on the day. First Lieutenant, winner of the ­Betfred Bowl and runner-up in the Ryanair Chase last season, makes his seasonal debut in the Star Best For Racing Coverage Chase at Punchestown today. The eight-year-old, trained by Mouse Morris, ran in the Ryanair in preference to the Gold Cup in which the owner, Gigginstown Stud, already had eventual runner-up Sir Des Champs. "He's well in himself but he's a bit behind where I'd want him to be," Morris said.