An above-average running of a competitive handicap - so can the unbeaten favourite be taken on?

This looks like an above-average running with a few unexposed types and the unbeaten Turquino has given the impression he has a bright future after two all-weather runs.

He was green when well backed for his Southwell debut and it was a similar story at Newcastle, showing signs of inexperience when Callum Hutchinson asked for his effort before the penny dropped late. That form is nothing special and a mark of 86 looks about right on the bare form, but there could be a lot more to come. He has to be high on any shortlist, particularly with the champion jockey Oisin Murphy taking over.

Calumet is another lightly raced contender having just his seventh start and there is a good chance he can improve with age given that he is a half-brother to Giavellotto, who gained his breakthrough Group 1 success at the end of his five year-old campaign. A step up to a stiff 1m4f and a return to quicker ground both look in his favour.

Another well-bred runner is Fireblade, a brother to Cracksman who made a winning start for the Newmarket-based South African trainer Dylan Cunha. He lost his maiden tag with a gutsy effort at Leicester and should get similar conditions here.

Siding with hold-up performers on Ascot's round course comes with risks attached, and Victory Shout, Vaynor and Mighty Bandit can all race prominently.
Analysis by Phill Anderson

What they say

Richard Hannon, trainer of Houstonn
He likes good ground and starts the season on a reasonably workable mark. We're giving it another go on this surface and if he's fully tuned up, I can see him putting up a bold show.

Archie Watson, trainer of Ocean Of Dreams
He took a nice step forward up to ten furlongs at Pontefract and I hope he can go better again now up to a mile and a half.

Marco Botti, trainer of Calumet
He hasn't had much luck in the last couple of runs. Kempton was a bit messy and a mile and a half at Ascot will definitely suit him better than Pontefract. He's capable of winning with his rating and luckily he's got a good draw in one.

Jamie Osborne, trainer of Wahraan
He's a jockey's nightmare. He's quirky to say the least. If he put it all together, jumped out with them and raced in a reasonably relaxed manner then he's got enough ability to compete, but a lot of things can go wrong.

Dylan Cunha, trainer of Fireblade
We were delighted with his win at Leicester last time and he goes there with a good shout. We have William Buick on board, so there's plenty to like.

Warren Greatrex, trainer of Mighty Bandit
I think the track will really suit him. He probably would have needed the run at Leicester and he seems to have progressed nicely since then. It's the right sort of race to have a go at and I think he's got a fair chance. He likes to be ridden handily, so I don't think it's a bad thing being drawn in eight. He'll get further.

Ben Brookhouse, trainer of My Dream World
He's done plenty of work at home but middle-distance horses can often need the run no matter how fit you can get them. He came to hand quite quickly after his break and he seems to have strengthened and matured nicely. We stepped him up in trip at Sandown last time when the ground was wetter than ideal and he didn't quite stay. I'd like to think he can go to Royal Ascot but he'll need to climb the handicap.Kotari
Reporting by Maddy Playle

Saturday's big-race insight:

1.15 Lingfield: Aidan O'Brien has word of warning for favourite backers as Giselle begins her potential route to the Oaks 

1.35 Haydock: Superb Swinton shows the jumps is back - and there's no Willie Mullins to beat this time on a marvellous mixed Merseyside card 

2.40 Ascot: 'This will play to his strengths' - top trainers assess the Victoria Cup at Ascot 

3.00 Lingfield: Aidan O'Brien poised to sweep another Derby trial - but British trainer says there is 'plenty to like' about his contender 

3.35 Lingfield: Can Great Generation give weight all round to repeat last year's Group 3 success? 

4.20 Naas: Has Wayne Lordan made the right decision on the Ballydoyle trio in the Oaks Trial? 

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