Royal Ascot going improves after course avoids heavy overnight rain

Day two of Royal Ascot is upon us and the Prince of Wales's (3.40) could be one of the races of the year, although Sea Of Class's participation will depend on trainer William Haggas being satisfied with the ground this morning.

With less than 0.5mm of rain between the end of racing on Tuesday and 8am this morning, the going was changed to good to soft on the straight course and soft, good to soft in places on the round course (from soft), with further showers forecast before racing.

The rest of the card is bang up to scratch with speedy fillies taking flight in the Queen Mary (2.30), some St Leger clues possibly emerging in the Queen's Vase (3.05) and the Royal Hunt Cup (5.00), one of the big betting handicaps of the Flat season.

Jamie Osborne runs Raising Sand in that and is optimistic, saying: "I think we go there with a very strong chance."

Ascot understandably stands out on its own, but Hamilton, Uttoxeter, Wexford, Chelmsford and Ripon also race.

Going report

Ascot (first race at: 2.30)
Straight Course: Good to Soft, Round Course: Soft, Good to Soft in places (GoingStick: Stand side: 8.2, Centre: 8.4, Far Side: 8.2. Round: 7.2). The running rail on the round course is positioned 3yds out from approx 9f out to the home straight.

Hamilton (1.50)
Good to Firm, Good in places (GoingStick:8.0 on 19-06-2019 at 06:45)

Uttoxeter (2.10)
Good to Soft, Soft in places, (GoingStick:8.0 on 19-06-2019 at 06:00)
Divided bends. Hurdles course out 10 yards. Chase course out 7 yards with fences narrowed up

Wexford (5.30)
Good (Watering)

Chelmsford (5.40)
Standard, Stalls: Inside

Ripon (6.50)
Good to Soft (GoingStick:7.1 on 19-06-2019 at 05:45)

Key non-runners

Ascot
2.30 Good Vibes
5.00 Crazy Horse

What to back

There's a double dose of Pricewise advice in the tipping section, which also features Paul Kealy's best bets.

Our other experts have their say here.

What to read

Head to the news section to find in-depth previews of today's races at Royal Ascot and reports and reaction to yesterday's thrills and spills can be found here.

What to watch

Who wins the Hunt Cup?

... and the Prince of Wales's?

The highlights from yesterday ...

The best of Racing Post Sport

Can Liam Flin hit a six with his Cricket World Cup advice? Find out here, while the day's football thoughts are available here.

Final thought

Ryan Moore looked to be riding with the bit firmly between his teeth at Ryan Ascot yesterday and could easily enjoy another fine day in the saddle today.

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