Sea stars in quality QEII entry

Sea The Stars has been given a surprise entry in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.The 2000 Guineas, Derby and Coral-Eclipse hero is among 42 possibles for the Group One contest, sponsored by Sony, over a mile on September 26.The champion colt's trainer John Oxx decided to bypass Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, while the Juddmonte International at York next month is a likely objective granted suitable ground conditions.Aidan O'Brien has made eight entries, headed by Irish 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes victor Mastercraftsman and Rip Van Winkle, who was runner-up to Sea The Stars in the Eclipse at Sandown earlier this month.Others in a top-quality list include Ghanaati, winner of the 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes, Prix Jean Prat scorer Lord Shanakill, Queen Anne Stakes victor Paco Boy, Lockinge winner Virtual, the French-trained Goldikova and Naaqoos, South African ace sprinter J J The Jet Plane and German challenger Irian.