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One key runner for each of ITV's six races on day four of Royal Ascot

LORD NORTH and Rab Havlin (far Side) win the Brigadier Gerard Stakes from Elarqam at Haydock Park 7/6/20Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723
Elarqam (near side): can he give a further boost to the Brigadier Gerard form?Credit: John Grossick

Setarhe
1.50 Royal Ascot
Albany Stakes (Group 3), 6f

Roger Varian has won the Albany Stakes twice in the last six years and while he is doubly represented this year, Newmarket winner Setarhe is probably the more interesting of the pair.

Despite breaking away slowly, she made up the ground well and was a decisive enough winner. Not too many horses were able to come from that sort of position at Newmarket during the four-day fixture, which bodes well for the future.

Roger Varian won last year's Albany Stakes and has two contenders this year
Roger Varian won last year's Albany Stakes and has two contenders this yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

2.25 Royal Ascot
Norfolk Stakes (Group 2), 5f

All eyes will be on Eye On Heaven in the Norfolk Stakes, with the impressive Newmarket winner the favourite for the Group 2.

Eye Of Heaven's form was franked in the strongest manner on Wednesday when Tactical, third behind Eye Of Heaven at Newmarket, won the Windsor Castle, with the runner-up on the Rowley Mile, Get It, also running well to finish fourth from a low draw.

Frankie Dettori will partner the Mark Johnston-trained juvenile.

Elarqam
3.00 Royal Ascot
Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f

How strong was the rearranged Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Haydock? Another boost for the form could be in store if Elarqam goes close in the Hardwicke Stakes.

The son of Frankel was an unlucky third in last year's Juddmonte International and appears to have bumped into one at Haydock when beaten just a short head by Wednesday's impressive Prince of Wales's winner Lord North.

Elarqam was flying home late at Haydock and this first attempt at a mile and a half could be exactly what he needs as a five-year-old.

Kimari
3.35 Royal Ascot
Commonwealth Cup (Group 1), 6f

Wesley Ward is better known for his success with two-year-olds at Royal Ascot but he runs a fascinating contender in the Commonwealth Cup.

Kimari was only narrowly beaten in last year's Queen Mary but has showed the extra furlong is no issue for her this season. She also gets the assistance of Frankie Dettori in the saddle for the first time.

Born With Pride
4.10 Royal Ascot
Queen's Vase (Group 2), 1m6f

Born With Pride made quite the first impression last year, beating subsequent Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Peaceful to win the Listed Montrose Fillies' Stakes on debut at 20-1.

It was a performance that left many seeing her as an Oaks candidate at Epsom. She was arguably a little disappointing on her comeback against the boys when seventh in the Classic Trial at Kempton, but that form does not look too bad now and she could bounce back over the longer trip of the Queen's Vase.

The rain that has fallen at Ascot will do no harm to her chances.

Le Don De Vie
4.40 Royal Ascot
Duke of Edinburgh Stakes, 1m4f

Hughie Morrison went close to a royal winner over this course and distance on Wednesday and Le Don De Vie should give it a good crack in the Duke of Edinburgh under Ryan Moore.

The four-year-old, previously trained by Andrew Balding, remains unexposed at this trip, finishing fourth behind St Leger second Sir Ron Priestley on his only attempt at Goodwood.


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Matt ButlerDeputy news editor

Published on 18 June 2020inPreviews

Last updated 18:51, 18 June 2020

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