Can Battaash be beaten? Our experts have their say on the day's big question

Would I be surprised if he got beaten? Absolutely not

Official ratings have him 10lb clear of the sprinter with the second-highest mark, Glass Slippers, so in terms of pure form he holds an exceptional chance and should win easily. On his day he is clearly outstanding, but for some reason I have never warmed to Battaash. Would I be surprised if he got beaten? Absolutely not. Glass Slippers has beaten him before and might do so again.
Richard Birch, tipster

3.35 Ascot card: King's Stand Stakes

Battaash is miles better than these rivals on ratings and form

Although this track and trip aren't ideal, Battaash is miles better than these rivals on ratings and form and his record when fresh is second to none. The lack of a raucous crowd will help him concentrate on the job in hand and he's just the quickest horse in the race. Would I want to back him at 4-6? Not at all. Tis Marvellous is my idea of the best bet at around 28-1 each-way.
Tom Collins, tipster

I would explore backing Equilateral without Battaash

The demands of the King's Stand don't best suit Battaash's racing style but the lack of a top-class rival tilts things in his favour. His cause is further aided by the lack of spectators this year, meaning he will be less susceptible to getting agitated in the preliminaries. I would explore backing stablemate Equilateral without Battaash. Second-favourite Glass Slippers badly needed her first run last season and Equilateral's first two runs in Meydan this year after a gelding operation were promising.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

There are no runners of Blue Point's standard among the opposition

The King's Stand is historically not an easy race to win off a long absence, but this is not a typical year and Battaash boasts a perfect record fresh. His trainer rightly points out he would be a two-time Royal Ascot winner without Blue Point and one thing's for sure, there are no runners of Blue Point's standard among the opposition. He might not be value at odds-on but he's the likely winner.
Matt Butler, reporter

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