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

One trainer

We know the old cliche regarding winners and buses and Derby-winning trainer Charlie Appleby heads to the royal meeting in outstanding form. Adayar's Classic win forms part of an impressive 40 per cent strike-rate for the team, who have three good chances on the opening day of the meeting.

Appleby has two in the St James's Palace Stakes (4.20) with Highland Avenue appearing the strongest. The son of Dubawi has never finished outside the top two and won a Listed contest at Newmarket earlier this season. La Barrosa would have a chance on the form of his Craven second.

In the Copper Horse Stakes (6.10) Appleby runs last-time-out winner Global Storm, who appears to have a solid chance.

One jockey

Frankie Dettori is synonymous with Royal Ascot and he heads to the meeting's opening day with a fantastic book of rides, in particular with Palace Pier in the curtain-raiser.

He looked in a different league to his rivals in the mile division when scooting away to land the Lockinge Stakes last month and could give Dettori a record-breaking seventh win in the Queen Anne Stakes (2.30).

Palace Pier: son of Kingman was dominant in the Lockinge Stakes
Palace Pier: one of the bankers of the meetingCredit: Pool

Dettori also picked up fine rides with the US-trained Extravagant Kid in the King's Stand Stakes (3.40) and Thunder Moon, for Joseph O'Brien in the St James's Palace Stakes (4.20).

The jockey has three more leading chances with smart debut winner Tolstoy (3.05), Golden Rules (5.00) and Forest Of Dean (5.35).

One horse

All eyes will firmly be on Battaash in the King's Stand Stakes (3.40) with last year's winner aiming to register a fantastic fifth Group 1 victory.

He heads to Royal Ascot without a prep run this year but Battaash fans will know he has a perfect 5-5 record on his seasonal bow.

One race

While there are three feverishly competitive Group 1 races to look forward to, the Coventry Stakes (3.05) looks a really interesting contest on paper.

Kaufymaker, talked about in high regard by Wesley Ward, heads the betting but Berkshire Shadow, Dhabab, Tolstoy and The Organiser all won well on their debuts.

Gisburn: one to watch
Gisburn: one to watchCredit: Mark Cranham

Gisburn, a six-and-a-half-length winner last time, Ebro River and The Acropolis are others to note.


Read more on Royal Ascot 2021:

Confirmed runners and riders for the King's Stand at Royal Ascot on Tuesday

The six jockeys and trainers who could enjoy a Royal Ascot breakthrough

The must-watch race on each of the five days at Royal Ascot

Dettori adds to strong hand as he guns for third straight Royal Ascot crown

The Punting Club Royal Ascot special: 'She's my best – and only – bet in a two-year-old race'


Get clued up with the latest Royal Ascot tips and odds with our free microsite. The best betting advice and exclusive Royal Ascot free betting offers all in one place.


James StevensWest Country correspondent

Published on 14 June 2021inNews

Last updated 13:19, 14 June 2021

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