Going reports, market movers and essential punting pointers

The week might not start with fireworks, but it ends with a bang courtesy of the Qipco-sponsored King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

It's one of British Flat racing's summer jewels and the field for the valuable Group 1 will become clearer later today with confirmations due around noon.

Monday cards

It's more bread and butter fare today with Ayr and Cartmel on duty this afternoon and Windsor, Ballinrobe and Beverley slipping into the spotlight at tea time.

Going report

Ayr (first race at: 1.30)
Good, good to firm in places (GoingStick: 7.9 at 6.45am on Monday). Rail movements; R4, 5, 6 & 7 +6y, R8 +10y.

Cartmel (2.15)
Good, good to firm in places (GoingStick: 7.3 at 6.50am on Monday). Rail movements; R1, 5 & 7 +24y, R2 & 6 +36y, R3 & 4 +32y.

Windsor (5.40)
Good to firm (GoingStick: 7.5 at 6.45am on Monday). Rail movements; R1, 5, 6 & 7 +29y.

Ballinrobe (5.40)
Good

Beverley (6.00)
Good to firm Rail movements: R1, 4, 5, 6 & 7 +7y.

Market movers

2.00 Ayr
Star Cracker 8-1 (from 10)

4.25 Cartmel
Nicholas Chauvin 8-1 (from 11)

7.00 Beverley
Patrick 5-1 (from 7)

What to back

Richard Birch has his best bets for the day and analyses which favourites are worth following.

Alan Sweetman runs the rule over Ballinrobe's card and Tips Box can be found here.

What to read

There's William Haggas on what's next for Sea Of Class, the Monday Jury and a belting interview with James Doyle.

A preview of today's racing can be found here.

What to watch

Here's Archie Watson on a possible weekend runner at Ascot ...

and all you need to know to sell a horse at auction ...

More videos, remember, are on our YouTube channel.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Steve Palmer reflects on The Open here.

Final thought

Sir Michael Stoute has a strong King George hand with Poet's Word and Crystal Ocean, but Kew Gardens is an improving Aidan O'Brien horse and, getting loads of weight from those rivals, may emerge as a big player at Ascot on Saturday.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app