Royal Ascot day 3 tips: six horses to back on Thursday

Handicappers' nap

Gunship (3.05 Royal Ascot)

This progressive colt finished strongly when winning at Newcastle last month, form that has been well franked by the second and fourth. Didn't find the race run to suit when third to the re-opposing Sing Us A Song on his only turf start in April, but he was a solid favourite for that race and this step up to 1m4f looks sure to suit.
Paul Curtis

Gunship15:05 Ascot

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Jky: Oisin Murphy Tnr: James Ferguson

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Eyecatcher

Jackknife (5.35 Royal Ascot)

Roger Varian's colt was an unlucky third over a mile last time. He's bred to do better over this trip and the best is surely to come.
Richard Russell

Jackknife17:35 Ascot

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Jky: Oisin Murphy Tnr: Roger Varian

The Punt nap

The Cursor (3.05 Royal Ascot)

Shaped best when beaten just a neck by the now 100-rated Bedouin Prince at Doncaster in March and looks potentially underestimated by a mark of 87. He's well bred and should be suited by stepping up in trip.
Harry Wilson 

The Cursor15:05 Ascot

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Jky: Rob Hornby Tnr: Andrew Balding

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Speed figures

Consolidation (5.00 Royal Ascot)

Earned the best speed figures on the card when winning at Goodwood last month and today's furlong further should be in his favour.
Dave Edwards

Consolidation17:00 Ascot

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Jky: James Doyle Tnr: Ralph Beckett

Newmarket nap

Dubai Beach (5.05 Chelmsford) 

Saeed bin Suroor's filly won with a bit in hand at Kempton last week and is fancied to follow up under a 5lb before going on to better things.
David Milnes

Dubai Beach17:05 Chelmsford (A.W)

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Jky: Dylan Hogan Tnr: Saeed bin Suroor

Dark horse

Hawksbill (5.00 Royal Ascot) 

Two good second places this season and was unfortunate to bump into a good horse last time out. He'll enjoy ground conditions and has the ability to go well.
George Bonds

Hawksbill17:00 Ascot

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Jky: Mickael Barzalona Tnr: Hugo Palmer

Signposts: punting pointers for Thursday's racing 

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