One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Royal Ascot day two

Trainer

US trainer Wesley Ward has been a prominent figure at Royal Ascot in recent years and although he's a notable absentee this week, he has still managed to send over a seven-strong team to help add an international flavour to the meeting.

Ward has his first runners in the Windsor Castle Stakes (4.10) courtesy of the Frankie Dettori-ridden Sunshine City and Sheriff Bianco, the mount of Oisin Murphy.

Two of the trainer's ten Royal Ascot victories have come in the Windsor Castle so the pair warrant close inspection.

Jockey

Rising star Jason Watson faces one of the biggest days of his career with the ride on Headman in the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes (3.00).

Jason Watson has ridden Headman to two Group 2 successesCredit: Edward Whitaker

The 2018 champion apprentice, who gained his first top-flight success in Britain last October aboard Quadrilateral in the Fillies' Mile, partnered Headman to a pair of Group 2 wins in France last season.

The Roger Charlton-trained colt looks capable of making the jump up to Group 1 level for Watson, who also rides Kenzai Warrior in the Hampton Court Stakes (1.50) and Dean Street Doll in the Silver Royal Hunt Cup (1.15).

Horse

Big things are again expected of Japan this year and the Ballydoyle star has a great chance of making a winning return in the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes (3.00).

An interrupted start to the last campaign cost him dear in the Derby when he was a half-length third behind Anthony Van Dyck, but he showed his considerable ability with three big-race wins – including in the King Edward VII Stakes and Juddmonte International – before finishing fourth in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Japan: a winner at the royal meeting last yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

Early season preparations have gone much smoother this time and the imposing colt looks just the type to thrive as a four-year-old.

Race

There are few spectacles at the meeting to rival the sight of twenty-plus runners spread across the track in the Royal Hunt Cup (3.35).

A consolation race - the Silver Royal Hunt Cup (1.15) - has been added for this year, but the main event has proved far from punter-friendly with only four favourites or joint favourites successful in the 60 runnings of the heritage handicap over a mile.

The Royal Hunt Cup is a great Royal Ascot spectacleCredit: Edward Whitaker

The task to defy the stats could fall to the unexposed Lord Tennyson, who is a strong candidate to go off favourite for the powerful John Gosden-Frankie Dettori axis.

Read more:

Royal Ascot 2020: the must-have guide to a five-day horseracing extravaganza

Japan's new owner has an Arc ambition as Ballydoyle star bids for royal repeat

Prince of Wales's Stakes: Tom Marquand bids to extend Group 1 streak on Addeybb

'He has a great chance' – top jockeys and trainers name best Royal Ascot hopes

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