Five questions to pinpoint the most likely winner of the July Stakes

Arqana July Stakes (Group 2) | 6f | 2yo Colts & Geldings | RUK/ITV3

Is Coventry form stronger than Windsor Castle?

Different strands of Royal Ascot two-year-old form come together in this Group 2 with protagonists from the Coventry and Windsor Castle Stakes clashing with the Norfolk Stakes fifth and eighth.

Tradition dictates that the Coventry Stakes is often the leading juvenile race at Ascot, and Advertise, runner-up in that Group 2, heads the market on just his third start.

It is entirely possible he was beaten by something a little special at the royal meeting, with Calyx proving a length too good after the duo fought it out on different sides of the track.

His conqueror is absent on this occasion and a repeat effort from Advertise will make him hard to beat, as Calyx’s rider Frankie Dettori takes over in the saddle.

“I suppose he was a bit unlucky in the Coventry,” said trainer Martyn Meade. “The winner is obviously a very good horse but he did all he could do on the side that he was on.

"I was really pleased with that run, and if he could reproduce that I’d hope it would be enough to do the trick here.”

Meade revealed that he had been tempted to wait for the Superlative Stakes over a furlong further on Saturday before sticking with Plan A.

“I thought that maybe the seven furlongs would give him a bit more time to sort things out but, having looked at this race, we decided to stick and we’re hoping for the best.

"He’s enthusiastic and relaxed and I see no reason why he won’t be as good or better than he was at Ascot.”

Is Van Beethoven good enough to give weight away?

Van Beethoven finished fourth in the Listed Windsor Castle at Ascot but has since landed the Group 2 Railway Stakes and heads a two-pronged challenge for Aidan O’Brien.

His latest victory leaves him with a 3lb penalty none of his rivals have to carry, but he is the most experienced in the field and the choice of Ryan Moore.

O'Brien said: "Van Beethoven won the Railway Stakes nicely. He came out of the race well and we're happy with him."

He is joined in the line up by stablemate North Wind, behind Van Beethoven on his last two starts when fifth at the Curragh and mid-division at Royal Ascot.

O'Brien added: "North Wind has yet to win but we think he's improving."

Will Konchek confirm Ascot form with Charming Kid?

The final strand of Royal Ascot form to consider is from the 5f Norfolk Stakes, where Konchek finished fifth and Charming Kid eighth behind American rocket Shang Shang Shang.

Previously third in the National Stakes at Sandown, this represents a first try at six furlongs for Konchek, who was doing his best work late on in the Norfolk.

"He has some pleasing form, and I hope the step up to six furlongs will suit," said trainer Clive Cox. "He'll like the dry underfoot conditions."

Charming Kid, a winner on debut at York, has just his third start and also steps up to six furlongs for the first time.

Trainer Richard Fahey said: “I made a vital mistake going to Ascot off the back of just one run, it’s not ideal. He was inexperienced and never had a race.

"The step up to six should help and he’s a good moving horse so fast ground wouldn’t be a concern."

Can Legends Of War follow in Calyx's slipstream?

Legends Of War had been due to take on stablemate Calyx in the Coventry, for which he was a single-figure price to win until a temperature ruled him out of the race, and the son of Scat Daddy had looked a colt of considerable potential when previously winning his first and only start at Yarmouth by four lengths.

A 900,000gns purchase from the breeze-ups, he was branded “exciting” by rider Oisin Murphy after that debut success, although he did show his inexperience when hanging left in the closing stages and is taking a big hike in class on this second start.

“He’s fine again now and is pleasing at home,” said trainer John Gosden.

“We could have run him in a novice instead but we thought he deserved a chance in a better race, although he's short on experience.”

Is Dunkerron the joker in the pack?

Alan King’s hand on the Flat has become stronger in recent seasons and he looks to have unearthed an exciting juvenile in Dunkerron, who was impressive when carrying a penalty to victory at York last time.

“We thought we might as well roll the dice and see where we are with him,” said King. “He’s pleased me since York and it’s exciting, so let’s hope he doesn’t disgrace himself.

"He does everything so easily at home, so we’ll learn a lot more here and let’s hope it’s positive.”

Sporting Chance completes the field and makes his first start on turf having won at Wolverhampton on debut and only narrowly failing to follow up under a penalty at Kempton last time.

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