Yes Sir: Stoute can work miracles and there could be more to come

We are two days into Royal Ascot 2018 with three to go, so what can be gleaned from the first 12 races which could help solve the remaining 18?

Never discount Sir Michael Stoute working a miracle or two

Last year the most successful trainer at this meeting drew a blank but you can't keep a genius down for long and Sir Michael Stoute performed a miracle to resurrect Expert Eye in the Jersey Stakes.

With half a dozen horses yet to run, it's not out of the question that he could add another top trainers' title. Our Newmarket correspondent David Milnes has napped his Sun Maiden in the Ribblesdale (3.40) on Thursday, while Stoute will be hoping to work his magic on Veracious in Friday's Coronation Stakes (4.20). The Frankel filly was fancied for Classic glory before injury intervened.

James Fanshawe knocking on the door

Any runner James Fanshawe sends to the meeting is worth a second look as the Newmarket trainer does not waste his time with speculative multiple entries.

He had just two entries this time around but after the way Tribute Act performed to finish second in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes it would be no surprise if The Tin Man is strongly backed to repeat his win in Saturday's Diamond Jubilee.

Aljazzi clears away from Tribute Act (black cap) who ran a huge race for James FanshaweCredit: Edward Whitaker

Keep it simple: read the form book

The annual debate about draw and pace will rumble on but after two days and the evidence of the big-field Queen Mary, Royal Hunt Cup and Jersey Stakes on Wednesday, there is probably no part of the course that could not yield the winner.

The safest route looks slap bang down the middle, but that said no race has yet to divide opinion properly with a group against each rail.

Is Ward off the pace this year?

Most years Wesley Ward's infectious confidence has been regally rewarded but this year the American's challenge has spluttered.

Wesley Ward's Chelsea Cloisters was a bitter disappointment in the Queen Mary StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

It is always dangerous to write off someone who has performed so well in recent years, but his remaining five hopes – starting with Shang Shang Shang – in the Norfolk Stakes on Thursday, need treating with caution.

However, it may be worth noting Ward has consistently given his other two-year-old Stillwater Cove (Albany, Friday) rave reviews.

Are O'Brien and Moore firing on all cylinders?

It is probably safe to say Aidan O'Brien is not going to beat his Group 1 annual record this year but it is more dangerous to say he and Ryan Moore will not add to their Royal Ascot titles as they got on the board, with Kew Gardens leading home a stable 1-2-3 in the Queen's Vase.

Ryan Moore is interviewed after winning on Kew GardensCredit: Edward Whitaker

In contrast, there have been significant disappointments and his two-year-olds have come up short this year, so they could be another combination on the back foot.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com