Two weeks to go: Racing Post journalists with their Royal Ascot ante-post picks

Falcon Eight
Gold Cup
25-1 generally

Stradivarius is clearly the one to beat in the Ascot Gold Cup but I am convinced he is not invincible, and the extreme test of the race does not completely play to his strengths.

The positions of Cross Counter and Dee Ex Bee in behind the red-hot favourite in the market look about right but the Dermot Weld-trained Falcon Eight looks way too big a price at 25-1.

A half-brother to the yard's 2015 Prince Of Wales's Stakes hero Free Eagle, Falcon Eight has improved since being stepped up in trip and produced a career-best performance in the Saval Beg last time, a fine trial for the Ascot contest, flashing home behind Twilight Payment after being hard-ridden for much of the 1m6f contest.

That was only his fourth start and he only made his debut last July. I am yet to see a clear ceiling to this progressive stayer, who should be at his best over two miles-plus and rates a superb each-way bet.
Robbie Wilders

City Light
Diamond Jubilee Stakes
12-1 generally

The form of City Light's narrow second behind Inns Of Court in the Prix Servanne on his seasonal return was franked in no uncertain terms last weekend. The Andre Fabre-trained five-year-old ran out an impressive winner of the Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly but I would expect City Light to reverse form in the Diamond Jubilee.

City Light: can go close in the Diamond JubileeCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Stephane Wattel's stable star was a huge eyecatcher in this Royal Ascot race last year when rattling home for third behind Merchant Navy after not breaking well.

That experience of the unique Berkshire track will stand the son of Siyouni in good stead and aside from Invincible Army, the British sprinters do not strike me as a vintage crop. As long as he breaks alertly, I expect the five-year-old to be there or thereabouts in his bid to go two better.
Mark Storey

Lady Pauline
Queen Mary Stakes
10-1 generally

Before running at Ascot last month Lady Pauline was the 2-1 market leader for the Queen Mary. However, her length defeat to Ventura Rebel has seen her pushed out to as big as 10-1 for the race, which I think is an overreaction.

Connections felt the race may have come a little too soon after jetting in from America, and it looked like she tired after showing plenty of early pace.

Lady Pauline: can make amends for her recent defeatCredit: Edward Whitaker

Since then she has had a long time to acclimatise at Brian Meehan's yard in Manton. Reportedly she has been working well and trainer Wesley Ward knows exactly what is required having won the race three times before.

His most recent victor, Lady Aurelia in 2016, is a half-sister to Lady Pauline and I would not be surprised if the last-named bounces back in a big way at the meeting.
David Baxter

Nayibeth
Albany Stakes
8-1 bet365, 5-1 generally

None of Wesley Ward’s ten Royal Ascot victories have come in the Albany Stakes, but that could change this year with exciting filly Nayibeth.

The two-year-old blitzed the field on debut in a 4½f sprint at Keeneland and her sire Carpe Diem was a comfortable Grade 1 winner over 1m½f as a two-year-old, so the step up to 6f shouldn’t be an issue.

Ward has spoken of his confidence in Nayibeth as one of his Ascot contenders with a big chance, and should be able to overcome her lack of experience to strike on the royal stage.
Andrew Wilsher

Queen Power
Ribblesdale Stakes
7-1 bet365, Unibet, 6-1 generally

Sir Michael Stoute has not won the Ribblesdale since 2003 but he has a hugely exciting prospect on his hands in the form of Queen Power, who missed the Oaks but could be primed for Ascot.

She is related to some high-class performers and looked every bit a potential star herself when winning Newbury's Fillies' Trial on Lockinge day.

Queen Power (blue): won well at Newbury when last seenCredit: Edward Whitaker

That was a muddling contest but the manner in which she finished her race was encouraging. Considering market leaders Mehdaayih and Pink Dogwood are unlikely to go – and the French Oaks is still to come – I think 7-1 is a huge price for a filly who could be a serious talent this season.
James Stevens

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