Stradivarius faces tough battle to retain staying crown

Ribblesdale Stakes

3.40 Royal Ascot

After a shocker in the 1,000 Guineas, Fleeting ran a cracker in the Oaks and has been supplemented. Coming from well behind, she was stopped in her run after the two-furlong marker before a strong finish saw her close on the first two. Despite a couple of successes in this, fillies making the frame at Epsom have a poor record over the past 20 years.

Despite a slow start, Frankellina went close in the Musidora and James Doyle was in no hurry on her in the Oaks, coming down the centre of the course and running on for sixth. That considerate ride on just her third outing should be repaid sooner or later.