'Detailed breakdown' - 192-page guide to Royal Ascot has the big angles covered

Racing Post Royal Ascot Guide 2022
£14.99, Pitch Publishing and Racing Post

For five days of the year, Flat racing belongs to Ascot. The glamour and glory of the royal meeting is an irresistible draw and next month will mark one of the most anticipated meetings in recent years, featuring the twin celebrations of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the return of full crowds.

With eight Group 1 races on offer alongside richly competitive handicaps, there is much to digest before the meeting opens on June 14 and the Racing Post Royal Ascot Guide serves as a comprehensive preview to whet the appetite for the historic meeting.

More than 50 contenders are put under the microscope and many readers will turn first to the electrifying Baaeed, the William Haggas-trained star who extended his unbeaten streak to seven in the Lockinge this month.

"Few of us believed we would ever see Frankel's like again, but if he continues in the same vein . . . comparisons might no longer be laughable," the guide suggests of the four-year-old, who will seek to land the Queen Anne Stakes a decade on from Frankel's 11-length romp.

Staying heavyweights Stradivarius and Trueshan, globetrotting campaigner State Of Rest and Coroebus's bid to emulate Poetic Flare's journey from 2,000 Guineas to St James's Palace Stakes winner all feature prominently in this detailed breakdown of the meeting, edited by Nick Pulford and running to 192 pages.

Alongside the established names, there is a section on the leading juveniles with comparisons of the key formlines and pointers to likely targets and going preferences.

Royal Ascot's tradition of attracting fierce international competition is also highlighted and it is suggested that this year looks set to "mark a revival for the long-distance travellers". As with the top challengers from Britain and Ireland, the form claims of international stars such as Nature Strip, Golden Pal and Shahryar are evaluated.

In the past two years the meeting has been extended to 35 races and the book features a comprehensive day-by-day guide with each contest analysed, looking at key trends, tables of the last ten winners and what it takes to win.

The records of the top trainers and jockeys are also scrutinised for punting clues and there are early tips and handicapper recommendations from Racing Post experts, along with a tipster forum discussing factors such as the draw and course form.

The book also serves as an essential companion for those attending the meeting, including a section on the different enclosures and an extensive style guide that showcases the latest fashion trends as well as the Royal Ascot dress code.

In addition, the Platinum Jubilee edition fittingly pays homage to the enduring support for racing shown by the Queen. With 24 Royal Ascot winners, the Queen has had many magical memories down the years and none more so than Estimate's 2013 Gold Cup victory, which is celebrated as "one of the most illuminating and captivating moments of her years on the throne".

Whether the Queen can add another success during the celebrations for her 70-year reign remains to be seen, but what is guaranteed is that there are plenty of stories waiting to be told at this year's meeting. With the Racing Post Royal Ascot Guide, you can be well prepared for the exciting times to come.

The Racing Post Royal Ascot Guide 2022 is available for £14.99 via the Racing Post shop

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