One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Royal Ascot Tuesday
Trainer
With six runners on Royal Ascot's opening day, John Gosden looks primed to start the meeting with a bang. He unleashes the hugely exciting Frankly Darling, one of three runners in the Ribblesdale Stakes (2.25), who bids to build on her brilliant Newcastle win and take a step closer to the Oaks. She is joined by stablemates Miss Yoda and Anastarsia.
Gosden also saddles Terebellum in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (1.50) following her impressive Dahlia Stakes victory at Newmarket this month, while the trainer has further big chances in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes with Nazeef (4.10) and Daarik in the opening Buckingham Palace Handicap (1.15).
Jockey
Tuesday is set to be a massive day for Ryan Moore, who has plenty of excellent chances across the card. His big ride is Circus Maximus in the Queen Anne Stakes (1.50), with the Aidan O'Brien-trained runner seeking a second success at the royal meeting.
Moore also partners the Ballydoyle-trained Mogul, who will bid to boost his Derby credentials in the King Edward VII Stakes (3.00). The full-brother to Japan is a hot favourite for the Group 2 contest.
Other leading rides include Passion in the Ribblesdale (2.25), exciting mare Jubiloso in the Duke of Cambridge (4.10) and Verdana Blue, the Grade 1-winning hurdler who is out to take advantage of a mark of 100 in the Ascot Stakes (4.40).
Horse
With no Blue Point to take on this year, perhaps this is the year that Battaash (3.35) can finally go one better and win the King's Stand Stakes.
The Charlie Hills-trained runner has finished second to the Godolphin sprinting ace – who is now retired – for the last two seasons, but on Tuesday Battaash sets the standard on form.
If Battaash brings his explosive best, he will prove extremely hard to beat. He will attempt to become the first sprinter since the great Lochsong to have the Nunthorpe, King's Stand and Abbaye on his CV.
Race
In Royal Ascot tradition, the Queen Anne Stakes (1.50) kicks off the meeting in terrific fashion on Tuesday. The race this year will come after the Buckingham Palace Stakes but the contest is not lacking in quality, with plenty of the Europe's top milers clashing in a cracking contest.
Circus Maximus sets the standard on the form of his two top-level wins last season but he faces a wealth of improving and progressive challengers, including Duke Of Hazzard, Fox Chairman, Mohaather and Terebellum.
Read more:
Thundery showers could feature in forecast for start of Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot 2020: the must-have guide to a five-day horseracing extravaganza
'He has a great chance' – top jockeys and trainers name best Royal Ascot hopes
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Published on 15 June 2020inRoyal Ascot
Last updated 14:26, 15 June 2020
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