Key info and expert advice for day three of Royal Ascot

There is no mistaking the main event of the third day of Royal Ascot as the historic Gold Cup is the traditional highlight of the meeting.

Stayers' Million winner Stradivarius returns to defend his crown against a high-class field led by last year's Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter and Derby runner-up Dee Ex Bee.

A pair of Group 2s – the Norfolk Stakes (2.30) for juveniles and the Ribblesdale Stakes (3.40) for three-year-old fillies – are the key supporting races on a day oozing with quality.

The going at Ascot was changed to soft, good to soft in places for Thursday's card after a dry night.

Chris Stickels, clerk of the course at Ascot, said to Sky Sports Racing this morning: "We had 10mm during racing but it hasn't rained since, thankfully. Although it wouldn't have dried much yesterday it has been a dry and breezy morning with the sun on it so we are now soft, good to soft in places. The wind will help dry the ground out."

Understandably, Royal Ascot provides the focus but there are also fixtures at Chelmsford and Ripon in the afternoon and Leopardstown, Lingfield and Ffos Las in the evening.

Going report

Ascot (first race 2.30)
Soft, good to soft in places

Chelmsford (1.50)
Standard

Ripon (2.10)
Good to soft

Leopardstown (5.40)
Good, good to firm in places

Lingfield (5.50)
Standard

Ffos Las (6.00)
Good to soft

Market movers

4.20 Ascot - Cross Counter 7-2 (from 4)
5.00 Ascot - Turgenev 12-1 (from 16)
5.50 Lingfield - Red Tycoon 4-1 (from 6)

What to back

Pricewise supremo Tom Segal and top judge Paul Kealy dig out the best bets for day three of Royal Ascot for members. Get the Racing Post Spotlight view on the Gold Cup . . .

What to read

Head to the news section for in-depth previews of today's races at Royal Ascot. Reports and reaction from yesterday can be found here.

What to watch

Our expert Racing Postcast panel take a definitive look at the day three action at Royal Ascot . . .

While Dave Orton turns his attentions towards the Gold Cup . . .

The best of Racing Post Sport

Liam Flin delivers his best bets for the Cricket World Cup clash between Australia and Bangladesh. Plus get more advice in the latest of our tournament tipping videos . . .

Final thought

Upwardly mobile Tipperary trainer Paddy Twomey will be looking to become a familiar name to British racing fans by the end of the day as he saddles the hot favourite for the Norfolk in the shape of Sunday Sovereign.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app