Keith Melrose is aiming for the maximum with a Wolferton match bet

Fox Tal
1.50 Ascot
Buy at 0.5 lengths in a match bet with Sir Dragonet

The Wolferton Stakes is a difficult race to weigh up. For many, like Regal Reality and Sir Dragonet, it is something of a last-chance saloon, unless that has already been decided to be their next run. But this is Royal Ascot, so that possibility is put to one side.

Even so, it would be a brave punter who banks on Sir Dragonet these days. With a bit more luck he might have won the Derby, but half a dozen out of last year's messy edition of the Epsom Classic could say similar. Since then it has been all downhill, the only bright point a fourth-placed finish in the St Leger.

Fox Tal: winner at Doncaster who remains unexposedCredit: Edward Whitaker

You would much rather own Fox Tal as things stand. He started last year late, but won at Doncaster and then finished fourth in the Champion Stakes on his only two runs.

He could have Group 1 ambitions this year, which is the only concern with this Listed assignment – it could be viewed as a stepping stone. If he is ready, he should go close while Sir Dragonet would need to bounce back to prevent Fox Tal's backers from taking a decent lift.

1.15 Ascot

Sporting (50-30-20-10): 14-17 Acquitted, 13-16 Hypothetical, Global Storm, 7-9 Tritonic, Maori Knight, 6-8 Grand Rock, 5-7 Bronze River, 4-6 Highland Chief, Ya Hayati, Gallaside, Yoshimi, 3-5 Cepheus, 2-4 Mafia Power, Laser Show, Tom Collins, HMS President, 1-3 Dogged

Match bet: Acquitted/Global Storm -0.5-0.5

1.50 Ascot

Sporting (50-25-10): 19-22 Fox Tal, 17-20 Sir Dragonet, 14-17 Regal Reality, 6-8 Dubai Warrior, Crossed Baton, Mountain Angel, 4-6 Aloe Vera, Dream Castle, Mountain Hunter, 3-5 Prince Eiji, 2-4 Extra Elusive, Forest Ranger, King Ottokar, Walkinthesand, 0.5-2 Cockalorum, Bubble And Squeak

Match bet: Fox Tal/Sir Dragonet -0.5-0.5

2.25 Ascot

Sporting (50-25-10): 21-24 King Leonidas, 15-18 Molatham, 12-15 Celestin, Monarch Of Egypt, 6-8 Lord Of The Lodge, Final Song, 5-7 Mister Snowdon, 4-6 Repartee, 3-5 Mystery Power, Symbolize, 2-4 King Of Athens, Ventura Lightning, 1-3 Above, Fleeting Prince, Ropey Guest

Match bet: Monarch Of Egypt/Celestin -0.5-0.5

3.00 Ascot

Sporting (50-25-10): 19-22 Modern News, 17-20 Battleground, 14-17 Bright Devil, 12-15 Golden Flame, 7-9 First Prophet, 4-6 Clarendon Cross, 2-4 March Law, 1-3 Seattle Rock

Match bet: Modern News/Battleground -0.5-0.5

3.35 Ascot

Sporting (50-25-10): 36-39 Stradivarius, 14-17 Technician, 8-11 Cross Counter, 6-8 Moonlight Spirit, Nayef Road, 2-4 Mekong, Prince Of Arran, 1-3 Withhold

Match bet: Stradivarius/the field 0-1

4.10 Ascot

Sporting (50-30-20-10): 12-15 Finest Sound, 9-12 Enemy, 8-11 Starcat, 7-9 Verboten, 6-8 Khaloosy, 4-6 Path Of Thunder, 3-5 Cherokee Trail, Dance Fever, World Title, Amaysmont, 2-4 Sun Power, Toro Strike, Ziggle Pops, Dubai Mirage, He's A Keeper, Harrison Point, Grove Ferry, Eshaasy, Great Ambassador, Establish, 1-3 Kondratiev Wave, Shared Belief, 0.5-2 Glasvegas, All You Wish, Overwrite, Ayr Harbour

Match bet: Finest Sound/Enemy 0-1

4.40 Ascot

Sporting (50-30-20-10): 25-28 African Dream, 11-14 Soffika, 8-11 Declared Interest, 7-9 Waliyak, 6-8 Dubai Love, 5-7 Al Rasmah, 4-6 Wejdan, Huboor, Tiritomba, 3-5 Separate, Alabama Whitman, Odyssey Girl, Onassis, 2-4 Festive Star, Kalsara, 1-3 Night Colours, Graceful Magic, Mrs Upjohn

Match bet: Soffika/Declared Interest 0.5-1.5

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