First run in 1890, this is the most valuable race for juveniles at Royal Ascot and the season’s first high-class contest for the age group, regularly proving a stepping stone to Group 1 level later in the year.Market position is a good guide, with 16 of the last 20 winners having been in the first four in the betting and only four of those 20 priced above 8-1.

A tenth Coventry Stakes win for Aidan O'Brien could be on the cards as RIVER TIBER boasts a compelling profile. A big-money purchase as a yearling, he's unbeaten in two races this spring and ought to be well suited by stepping up to today's longer distance. If there's a high-class 2yo among his rivals, it could be Asadna, who looked something out of the ordinary when demolishing a thin field at Ripon, a performance backed up by the clock. George Boughey's colt may pose the chief threat, ahead of Givemethebeatboys, already a Group 3 winner, Fandom, 1-1 in the US, and Army Ethos, who has much in common with last year's winner Bradsell. The pick of those at longer odds is Spanish Phoenix who beat only two opponents at Leicester but did so in some style.

Dating back to 1813, this is the last heritage handicap of the week and one of the big handicap sprints of the Flat season, with up to 30 runners charging down the straight in a hotly contested 6f race. Even though only two favourites have won since 2005, nine of the 17 winners since then were in the first four in the market.

The tight-knit group who rarely let their supporters down in these top sprints includes Fresh, Summerghand and Mr Wagyu, while King's Lynn (second choice) has also done extremely well in this race in the past. However, new blood can come to the fore with ORAZIO, who has an unblemished record on turf since missing the whole of last year and whose good Listed form as a juvenile suggests he should cope with quicker ground than he's been racing on this spring. Khanjar is relatively unexposed but Juan Les Pins can prove a bigger danger, having looked as though a stiff test at the trip would suit when a close third to Summerghand in the Ayr Gold Cup last autumn. Hurricane Ivor fell from grace in 2022 but is in much better form for his new stable now and he can also be involved, along with Spangled Mac who ran so well here on Thursday.

Now in its third year, this mile handicap is run over the round course for older fillies and mares rated 0-105 and has proved a tricky test for punters. Dave Loughnane had the first two (Lola Showgirl at 12-1 and Ffion at 10-1) in the inaugural running and both had got in at the bottom end of the weights off ratings of 81, while last year the first three were Marco Botti’s Rising Star (40-1), Random Harvest (40-1) and Isola Rossa (22-1). 

A host have chances in just the second running of this race but HAZIYA and White Moonlight do stand out as progressive candidates. Preference is for the former who looks the better drawn of the pair and whose Curragh third last time out shows she can cope with the demands of a big-field handicap. State Occasion is one who could go well at likely bigger odds, while Improvised has obvious handicapping scope if her stamina holds now that she races beyond 7f for the first time.

Founded in 1839, this 2m4f handicap has come to be dominated by trainers whose main emphasis is jump racing, with Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson, Jonjo O’Neill and David Pipe on the roll of honour since 2010.This is not impossibly hard, with half of the last ten winners coming from the top five in the betting. The only two successful favourites in the past 20 years were both trained by Mullins.

Zinc White would look a very strong contender on soft ground, even with his wide draw. He is one of four runners for Ian Williams, who won this race in 2019 and 2021 but whose other one to note on 2023 evidence, Law Of The Sea, has also been drawn out wide. Last year's runner-up Bring On The Night is a little better off in 15 and has been a hot favourite in ante-post lists, straight on the shortlist given the Ascot Stakes record of his trainer Willie Mullins. However, the top two options may be Calling The Wind, who just looks sure to run well, and IRISH LULLABY (nap), who has much more to prove than most in stamina terms, not having raced beyond 1m6f, but has hinted strongly at hidden depths in her best performances. Novel Legend and Zoffee also require a positive mention.

This prestigious and valuable 1m4f handicap for three-year-olds and upwards dates back to 1914 and was formerly known as the Bessborough Handicap (starting out as a sprint) before being renamed in 1999. There have been six successful favourites (outright or joint) in the last 12 runnings after a long gap back to Blueprint in 1999.

It was 2008 when this race was last won from a single-figure draw, by one who made all. Aimeric and Teumessias Fox look the most interesting candidates among those drawn low this time but preference is for something out a bit wider. HMS PRESIDENT is battle-hardened and in the form of his life, looking sure to run well again today. He gets the vote although the potential of his 4yo opponents in particular has to be feared, including from the Appleby-trained Al Nafir (second choice) who now gets his first opportunity this season to show his hand. Maksud, Haunted Dream and Moracana also need a positive mention.

First run in 1843, this is the meeting’s third Group 2 race for Two-year-olds, following the Coventry and Queen Mary Stakes, and its distinguishing feature is that it is open to both sexes over the minimum distance of five furlongs. The extent to which connections know what they have on their hands is clear from the fact that only six of the last 25 winners went off bigger than 10-1.

Very impressive National Stakes winner ELITE STATUS has already achieved an RPR which would have been good enough in eight of the last ten runnings. He has to be the call with further improvement likely, but wide-margin Keeneland winner American Rascal, the first foal of dual Royal Ascot winner Lady Aurelia, is a potentially dangerous opponent for a stable that knows what it takes to win this. The way that Noche Magica travelled in a 6f Curragh Group 3 last time out suggests he may have more to offer back over shorter and he's best of the rest.


Established in 2002 at Listed level and upgraded in 2005, this Group 3 6f contest is a two-year-old fillies’ version of the Coventry Stakes, albeit without such a long and illustrious history. This has not been a great race for favourites. Since Cuis Ghaire won at 8-11 in 2008, only three market leaders have been successful. Four of the last ten winners were returned at odds of 14-1 or bigger.

This has the makings of a quality Albany with an array of unexposed winners, who looked so good on their debuts, locking horns. None created a stronger impression than JABAARA, who whistled home once seeing daylight at Newmarket, and formlines through the third that day bode well. Second choice is Persian Dreamer, who looked impressive first time out and a blind eye can be turned to her defeat at York. Matrika is third best after defying a market drift at the Curragh and winning newcomers from her yard usually turn out decidedly smart. Carla's Way turned some heads at Doncaster and she's a good looker with serious potential, while Porta Fortuna and Navassa Island are other major players after dominating an Irish Group 3.

Introduced to the Royal Ascot programme in 2002, this is a handicap for three-year-old fillies rated 0-105 run over the straight mile, making it effectively a fillies’ version of the Britannia. Despite the race’s large number of runners and hugely competitive nature, it is notable that fancied contenders do well. Eleven of the 21 winners came from the top two in the betting, including seven who had at least a share of favouritism, and only five winners have been bigger than 11-1 (although two of the last four were 33-1, both trained by Fellowes).

The step up to 1m could be just what MAGICAL SUNSET (nap) needs and she earns the vote on the back of her strong-staying Listed fourth over 7f at Epsom on Oaks day. Breege could also have untapped potential at 1m, with her first two attempts at this trip having come in Group 1s, and she is second choice ahead of the unexposed Gosden filly Coppice. Clounmacon, Ma Belle Artiste, Chelsea Green and Marksman Queen arrive following improved performances and could continue to progress, while Ballydoyle filly Unless could be on a handy mark and Sparks Fly and Novus will be interesting if transferring their winning slow-ground form to this quicker surface.

First run in 1928, this contest over the straight mile is the second of Royal Ascot’s three heritage handicaps and is open to three-year-old colts and geldings. Six winners in the past decade were sent off at 14-1 or bigger and there has been only one successful favourite since 2006.

This presents the typical Britannia conundrum with potential Group horses lurking. BLESS is a rare French runner in a British handicap and it's easy to see why his connections have been tempted off this mark after he finished upsides the subsequent German 2,000 Guineas winner (impressive) on his penultimate run. Second choice Royal Cape achieved the rare accolade of winning a novice by some 10l and he was beaten by a Group horse on his handicap debut. Next best is Docklands, who didn't half look good on his handicap debut here and held an Irish 2,000 Guineas entry prior to that. Fort Vega, for whom there was talk of heading to the Jersey Stakes, is another for the shortlist together with Frankie's mount Quantum Impact.

First run in 1919, this Listed contest is the final race of the meeting for two-year-olds and at seven furlongs is the longest of the week for that age group. It is open only to horses whose sire or dam won over a distance in excess of nine and a half furlongs. Since 1996, nine of the 27 winners had market leadership, with a further 13 in the top four in the betting.

Pearls And Rubies and Content are obvious players, being well-bred fillies from a yard that has a great record in the Chesham. They command major respect but plenty of the other runners are appealing types too, most notably GOLDEN MIND who should progress further and brings stacks of Royal Ascot potential through his pedigree. La Guarida (second choice) holds strong claims on form, while Nemonte (third choice) and Snellen are Irish maiden winners who look open to major progress. The rematch between Lightning Leo, Sayedaty Sadaty and Quatre Bras adds extra spice to a deep and very interesting renewal of this prize.

Dating back to 1919, this Group 3 race for Three-year-olds over seven furlongs is a battleground between Classic pretenders dropping back from a mile and sprinters trying to stretch out their stamina. Noble Truth last year became the fifth successful favourite in the past decade (two other winners were in the top three in the betting).

Ballydoyle contender THE ANTARCTIC ran well in 6f Group 1 races last year, while also shaping as though he could be even better at 7f, and he earns the vote on his first crack at this trip. Covey bolted up in the competitive Silver Bowl Handicap at Haydock last month and the Gosden runner stands out as an obvious danger. Canadian Grade 1 winner Mysterious Night may be able to return to form with a bang on his first run since being gelded, while Enfjaar and Olivia Maralda are others for the shortlist.

This 1m2f handicap for Three-year-olds rated 0-105 was introduced as part of the expanded programme in 2020 and has been won by 20-1 shot Highland Chief for Paul and Oliver Cole, the Andrew Balding-trained Foxes Tales at 13-2 and last year’s 5-2 favourite Missed The Cut for George Boughey.

Having grabbed the eye with how strongly he travelled up front in a 1m4f handicap last time, and having come up against notable rivals on all of his last three outings, KNOCKBREX should put up a bold show for Charlie Johnston. The trainer also has another major candidate in Lion Of War. All the three previous winners of this race were handicap debutants making their fourth start and had double-figure draws. There's a fascinating collection of similarly unexposed runners this year, among whom Ziryab (first reserve and second choice if he gets in), Laafi and Liberty Lane are just a flavour. Aidan O'Brien's Canute has run in two handicaps but his win last time out needs plenty of respect.

Established in 1839, this Listed five-furlong dash for two-year-olds is open to colts, geldings and fillies. This has proved the juvenile race most open to a surprise result in recent years, with nine of the last 17 winners having been 12-1 or bigger. Even the major stables can produce a long-odds winner – Charlie Appleby at 16-1 in 2017 and John Gosden at 20-1 the year before that – and half of the last ten winners came from outside the top six in the betting.

Aidan O'Brien has won three of the last eight runnings and Johannes Brahms looks the pick of his two contenders, but whether his middle draw is an advantage remains to be seen as nine of the last ten runnings of this have been won by horses drawn close to one of the flanks. A centre-field draw may also be an issue for Maximum Impact and Bombay Bazaar, both of whom hold solid claims otherwise. Barnwell Boy made a big impression when winning on his Goodwood debut and is berthed next to the far rail, so he is very much one to consider but preference is for Karl Burke's WORLD OF DARCY who is drawn against the stands' rail. The yard is enjoying a cracking season with its juveniles and although this colt was no match for stablemate Elite Status in the National Stakes at Sandown last time, that was still a fine effort. Sergeant Wilko and Supersonic Man are others to note, as would be US challenger Fandom if bypassing Tuesday's Coventry Stakes and coming here instead.

First run at Royal Ascot in 1948, this is a fascinating yet tricky 1m4f handicap for three-year-olds, open to fillies as well as colts and geldings. Since Cosmic Sun scored at 66-1 in 2009, eight of the 13 winners have come from the top four in the betting.

The pick from a host of promising middle-distance 3yos may well be VALIANT KING, who looks open to big improvement over this new trip given the way he's been finishing his 1m2f races in Ireland. While likely favourite Tagabawa looked good in the last of his three runs on the AW, other top stables are represented in abundance and the best of those candidates might be Sir Michael Stoute's handicap newcomer Perfuse (second choice) ahead of Aidan O'Brien's London Gold Cup winner Bertinelli. James Ferguson has a strong hand with Wonder Legend and Land Legend. The 1m2f Newbury win of Greysful Storm was registered in such style that she must be in serious calculations despite having shot up the handicap.

This Group 3 race for three-year-olds was added to the programme when Royal Ascot was extended to five days in 2002 and upgraded to its current level in 2011. Most winners had
done enough to take high rank in the betting, with eight of the last ten coming from the top two and none of the ten bigger than 7-1.

The well-bred TORITO took a big step forward when a smooth winner of a handicap at Epsom on Derby day and is taken to follow up in this higher grade. Kevin Ryan and Neil Callan combined to win the Queen Anne Stakes here on Tuesday with Triple Time and his half-brother Captain Winters is feared most, ahead of the Oaks third Caernarfon. Drumroll, Bold Act, Exoplanet and Waipiro are other live contenders.


Originally introduced to the expanded royal meeting in 2002, this big-field seven-furlong handicap for three-year-olds and upwards was removed after 2014 to make room for the new Group 1 Commonwealth Cup but reinstated in 2020 as part of the extended race programme. There has never been a successful favourite in the 16 running's and the only winners not at double-figure odds were 8-1 shots Unscrupulous (2004) and Jedburgh (2005).

His draw on the flank was a hindrance to MONTASSIB in this race 12 months ago but he still put a up a good show in fifth considering he also didn't get the clearest of runs and the 5yo can add to his smart win over Star Of Orion at Newmarket last time out. The AW improvers Kingdom Come (second choice), who will be happier back at 7f after running over 1m on turf last time out, Lir Speciale and Unforgotten are all capable of big runs while Ropey Guest, who has enriched each-way punters several times in these races, can have another say following his Goodwood win. The handicapper has extended an olive branch to Rhoscolyn whose third in this race last June puts him on the premises, while Croupier is progressing and can go well back down to 7f. Biggles, Vafortino and Northern Express are other contenders along with Totally Charming who shouldn't be written off despite disappointing here in May.

Dating back to 1838 and run under its current name since 1960, this Group 2 over 1m6f is restricted to three-year-olds and designed to bring along future St Leger and Cup horses over staying trips. This is the seventh year since a reduction in distance from two miles. The market is often a good guide to the best prospects from the big stables, with 12 of the last 15 winners coming from the top two in the betting.

He may have finished last of six behind three of these in a 1m5f Listed race at Navan last month, but ST VINCENTS GARDEN rallied to be beaten just over 2l in that slowly run contest which bodes very well for his future in staying races. He has raced only three times and is open to plenty of improvement. Peking Opera won that Navan race and has strong credentials, but the chief threat could come from Gregory who was an impressive 1m3f Listed winner at Goodwood last time and is bred to be suited by this trip. Chesspiece is another to consider.

Inaugurated in 2002 with the extension of Royal Ascot to a five-day meeting, this was changed in 2018 to become a 1m2f Listed conditions race for four-year-olds and up (rather than a Listed handicap).The first three winners post-2018 were in the first four in the betting; the last two have been much further down the list.

Another very competitive renewal of this Listed prize. It wouldn't be a surprise were CADILLAC to go on again now he's up and running for the George Boughey yard and he's the suggestion to go one place better than 12 months ago. The Gosden stable has a strong hand courtesy of Saga (second choice) and the progressive Francesco Clemente. Bolshoi Ballet, Buckaroo and Poker Face are three of many others who could have a say.

Run over 1m6f, this handicap for four-year-olds and upwards was introduced as part of the enhanced programme for Royal Ascot in 2020. Newmarket stables filled the first three places in the first two runnings, but North Yorkshire trainer David O’Meara struck last year with 16-1 shot Get Shirty. Seven of the nine runners who have finished in the first three were rated 95-100 (including every winner) and five of them had winning form over at least 1m6f.

High-class hurdler VAUBAN looks to be on an attractive mark now back on the Flat and can take this for Willie Mullins, who does well at this meeting. His stablemate Absurde is a fascinating contender, along with the unexposed Godolphin runner Ruling Dynasty, but the main danger could come from Chillingham who is 2-2 in handicaps and whose trainer Ed Bethell is enjoying an excellent season. Sam Cooke, Point King and Postileo arrive on the back of positive performances and are entitled to respect.

Founded in honour of the consort of King George V and first run in 1921, this five-furlong dash is the premier race at the meeting restricted to two-year-old fillies – the only other of that ilk is the Albany Stakes, which is run over six furlongs on Friday and is a step lower than this Group 2.Nine of the last 14 winners were in the top three in the betting and it is worth noting that three of the longer-priced winners came from northern stables (even though two of them had high-class winning form in the Marygate at York).

With only one winner exiting from a single-figure box in the last decade, being drawn middle to high has provided a notable edge. The US challengers, therefore, appear to be sitting pretty from their stalls and, while late foal Bundchen commands the utmost respect and is second choice, CRIMSON ADVOCATE looked the real deal in the way she went about her business at Gulfstream. Born To Rock and Beautiful Diamond elevated themselves to prominence in the betting with stunning debuts and should feature. If those drawn low can hold their own, Flora Of Bermuda could easily outrun her odds.

This is the longest race of the week at nearly two and three-quarter miles–indeed, the longest run under Flat racing rules – and one of the best loved. With such an emphasis on stamina and with fewer out-and-out stayers in Flat yards nowadays, this race has become quite a battleground between the Flat trainers and the top jumps yards. Twelve of the last 15 winners came from the first four in the market.

As is now tradition, Royal Ascot closes with the Flat season's longest race. The entire complexion of it would change dramatically should there be sufficient rain for Trueshan to take his chance, in which case he would take some stopping on these terms. However, as things stand, preference is for WORDSWORTH. He had flashes of very classy form last year, in Group 1 events that his rivals can merely dream about, and, given how he was boxing on at the finish of the 2m Sagaro Stakes here in April, it would be a surprise should his stamina fail him. Last year's principals Stratum and Calling The Wind have big runs in them and, as Andre Fabre's only runner here all week, it wouldn't be a bolt from the blue to see Timour get involved, for all that he'll be entering unknown territory a long way from home over this extreme distance.

Introduced as part of Royal Ascot’s expanded programme in 2020, this five-furlong handicap for three-year-olds rated 0-105 has tended towards high-numbered stalls in the first three runnings. In 2020 6-4 favourite Art Power came out of stall 19 to win easily from Keep Busy (drawn 21); in 2021 the first four all came from the five highest berths (Significantly won from stall 24 at 10-1); and last year five of the first six were from 21 or higher, although 5-1 winner Latin Lover came out of stall 11.

Conquistador looks to have been laid out for this and he's a runner of some note, better off in the weights with the horses he's beaten in his two sprint wins for George Boughey. He is high on the list, with stablemate Danger Alert another who can't be safely discounted. Harry Brown, Kerdos and Tatterstall all have better to come, while Tawalla bids to emulate Latin Lover in winning this under a penalty having won at Kempton the week before. Hispanic (second choice) was baulked early at York on his reappearance and found himself poorly positioned but on his only other 5f outing he produced a tremendous performance to win at the Curragh. A revival is likely today but he may still have to give best to JER BATT. The Barrons' sprinter will need to continue on his upward curve to defy his new mark but his Musselburgh win was striking and his subsequent defeat at Chester certainly didn't dent his reputation given how the race panned out.

First run in 1860, this five-furlong contest is the fastest race of the week, usually completed in less than a minute. Having been a Group 2 for 20 years, the race regained Group 1 status in 2008.Favourites can be found out (only three of the last 28 have won and last year Golden Pal was last at 15-8) but the market is still a good guide. Since Choisir’s 25-1 breakthrough success for Australia in 2003, at a time when the strength of their challenge was underestimated, 16 of the 19 winners have been no bigger than 8-1.

Nature Strip was the latest Australian sprinter to give short shrift to the locals at this meeting last year but the home team is stronger this time round. Coolangatta's improved form in a hard-fought finish at Flemington could be the start of something big but the British meet fire with fire in the form of HIGHFIELD PRINCESS who defends an unbeaten record at 5f on turf and looked especially good in the Nunthorpe last summer. Manaccan is progressing but Dramatised can be the main danger. Three-year-old winners of this race have been thin on the ground this century but Karl Burke's filly looks all class and she beat Equilateral in fine style at Haydock on her reappearance. Twilight Calls, back in ninth that day but second in this race 12 months ago, Cannonball and Twilight Gleaming are also in the reckoning, with improvement on the cards for Mitbaahy this year.

First run in 1834, this mile contest for three-year-old colts is the third Group 1 of the opening day and often features a clash between the Guineas combatants in Britain, France and Ireland. The preponderance of strong Guineas form means favourites have a good record, with 14 winning in the 23 running's since 2000. No winner has been bigger than 10-1 in that period and only one (Circus Maximus) came from outside the top four in the betting. The last shock winner was Brief Truce at 25-1 in 1992.

Fast-improving PADDINGTON, who has gone from handicap success to Classic glory in the space of two months, is taken to extend his winning sequence. The way he's going, further progress looks on the cards. Progressive Chaldean is the biggest danger on the figures and commands major respect but it's by no means a two-horse affair, with several other colts having good credentials. Cicero's Gift (third choice) and Mostabshir are very promising, while Isaac Shelby and Royal Scotsman also can't be ruled out.

This Group 2 contest for older fillies and mares is run over the straight mile and was introduced in 2004 with the aim of encouraging connections to keep female runners in training beyond their three-year-old campaigns. Saffron Beach became the sixth successful favourite or joint-favourite in the 19 runnings. Seven of the last ten winners came from the top three in the betting.

Several of these are quite closely matched on the figures but the vote goes to Ralph Beckett's PROSPEROUS VOYAGE, who was a Group 1 winner over a straight 1m last summer and looked back on song with a strong-finishing success in a tactical race at Epsom 18 days ago. Jumbly found more improvement when runner-up in a Group 2 at the Curragh on her stable debut last month and she's feared most ahead of Random Harvest, who made a bold bid when runner-up behind the selection last time. Another to consider is the Gosdens' Grande Dame, who was on an upward curve in her six runs last season and could have more to offer.

First run in 1843, this is the first of the week’s heritage handicaps to feature a cavalry charge down the straight course, with 30 runners fanning out in the mile contest for three-year-olds and up. The market has been no better than a fair guide, with seven of the 13 winners outside the top seven in the betting since the gambled-on Forgotten Voice was the last winning favourite in 2009.

With a rock-solid profile and the possibility of even more improvement, Irish raider DUNUM (nap) is particularly appealing. He looks an ideal type for this contest and the timing is perfect, with his trainer in cracking form this month. Ghaly, another progressive sort who has strong credentials, is second choice ahead of Blue For You who ties in with that rival on a piece of form last term. Perotto holds obvious claims and Astro King looks set for another good effort, while unexposed Chasing Aphrodite and handicap debutant Reach For The Moon are other suggestions for the shortlist. As regards the draw, there has been no clear bias in recent years and the winners have come from various parts of the course.

First run in 1862 and reduced in distance to a mile and a quarter on its revival in 1968, this Group 1 showpiece is often the top-ranked contest of Royal Ascot, based on the ratings of the first four finishers. In a sign that the cream rises to the top, only two of the 23 winners since 2000 were outside the top three in the betting.


Having been second in this race last year, when defied by a fine front-running ride on State Of Rest, BAY BRIDGE made amends when winning the Champion Stakes here last October and can post his second Group 1 C&amp;D win. He had to wait for a clear run when second to Luxembourg in last month's Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh and is taken to gain his revenge, although his Ballydoyle conqueror is nevertheless feared most. Adayar and My Prospero were second and third behind Bay Bridge in the Champion Stakes and are other major dangers in a fascinating race.

First run in 1919, this 1m4f highlight is the meeting’s premier race for middle-distance fillies from the Classic generation and often draws runners who have competed in the Oaks or atleast the trials. Only one of the last 16 winners was outside the top five in the market, with ten of them in the top two.

The Gosden-trained AL ASIFAH has superstar potential in view of her commanding Listed win at Goodwood 11 days ago, and this Frankel filly can make it three out of three. Jessica Harrington won this last year and the manner of Village Voice's 1m2f Listed win at Navan in April suggests she could relish today's extra distance. She is second choice, although Bluestocking, Infinite Cosmos, Lumiere Rock, Midnight Mile and Warm Heart could also improve for the step up in trip. At bigger odds, Ferrari Queen may be an interesting each-way option.

Founded in 1807, this is one of the crown jewels of Royal Ascot and at two and a half miles is the premier staying race of the British Flat season. Fancied runners have an excellent record. Only three of the 23 winners since 2000 were outside the top four in the market and 16 were in the top two.

The 4yo ELDAR ELDAROV (nap) and 6yo Coltrane have arrived at the Gold Cup via very different routes but look well worth their places at the head of the betting. Coltrane has nothing to prove over C&amp;D and has had to dig deep plenty of times before, but Eldar Eldarov looks thoroughly worth this second venture beyond the extended 1m6f of his St Leger triumph. He faced a daunting deficit entering the straight in last year's Queen's Vase at this meeting and the way he addressed that major problem to snatch victory shouted stamina, as did his close second when he reappeared last month in the Yorkshire Cup. Courage Mon Ami is both unusually unexposed and unusually promising, but he clearly has a fair bit more to prove contesting the season's top staying race. Subjectivist won it two years ago and is not dismissed lightly but whether his comeback can reach the same heights remains to be seen. Emily Dickinson can see the trip out if she does not need softer ground.

Dating back to 1834, this Group 2 over 1m4f for Three-year-olds comes just under three weeks after the Derby at Epsom and was once officially called the Ascot Derby, as it still is colloquially, such is the close link between the races. Twenty of the last 25 winners have been no bigger than 7-1.

It is hard to look beyond KING OF STEEL, who was a clear second in the Derby three weeks ago on his first run for Roger Varian and will take an awful lot of beating if reproducing that form. There are glimmers of hope for others, however, especially Artistic Star who was an 11l seventh in the Derby but produced an eyecatching finishing effort after possibly being unsuited by the track. Another factor to consider is that this might become tactical, in which case Derby ninth and possible pacesetter Dubai Mile may be the one to benefit. Arrest (Derby) and Continuous (Prix du Jockey Club) were disappointing last time but represent leading stables and should be capable of better.

HIS 6f sprint for three-year-olds was introduced in 2015 with the aim of allowing them to compete at the top level against their contemporaries without having to take on older horses at such an early stage of the season. Fancied horses have done well, with five of the eight winners coming from the top three in the market.

Although short-priced Little Big Bear commands major respect despite a slight doubt over his Sandy Lane form, there are several plausible alternatives at bigger odds in a typically competitive Commonwealth Cup. LEZOO, who bagged Group 1 honours on her last 6f attempt and could well have more to offer back sprinting, is the first choice ahead of the improving Ocean Quest who should relish this test having been strong at the end of her races. Those two appealing fillies have the bonus of a 3lb sex allowance. Sakheer (third choice) remains of strong interest and Noble Style may prove resurgent in first-time headgear, while Shaquille has clear possibilities if he handles the occasion. Little Big Bear faces stiffer competition than last time but his peak 2yo figure sets a high standard.

Founded to commemorate the crowning of Queen Victoria in 1838 and first run in 1840, this is the premier race for three-year-old fillies at Royal Ascot and, like the St James’s Palace Stakes for colts on day one, often features a clash between the major Guineas winners. Since 2000, Fallen For You (2012) and Watch Me (2019) are the only winners who weren’t in the first four in the betting and the only ones sent off bigger than 8-1.

The late defection of 1,000 Guineas winner Mawj leaves the door wide open for TAHIYRA, who is now clear on ratings and looks set to give Dermot Weld a belated second Coronation Stakes success, 45 years after Sutton Place landed this prize for the legendary trainer in 1978. The suggested forecast option and second choice is the very promising Queen For You. Improving Sounds Of Heaven ties in with that rival, while solid performer Meditate should go well again.

First run in 1879, this Group 2 race over 1m4f is for four-year-olds and upwards and often provides a showcase for horses who were in the Derby picture the previous year. The market has been a good guide recently, with 13 of the last 17 winners coming from the first three in the betting. Six of the seven successful favourites in that period were trained by Stoute or O’Brien.

Productive mare FREE WIND (nap) is 3-3 since upped to Group 2 level and, in receipt of the 3lb allowance back against males, is taken to extend her winning sequence. She should be suited by the step back up to 1m4f and, from a figures perspective, gives the firm impression she can rate higher still. Hukum, whose Sandown success shows that he retains all of his high-class ability, is feared most on form. Deauville Legend (third choice) and Changingoftheguard are interesting contestants who remain open to further progress. Pyledriver has the ability to play a huge role but may need this reappearance run.

Inaugurated in 1868 and long known as the Cork and Orrery Stakes, this has held Group 1 status since 2002 when it was renamed first to celebrate the golden jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. This is the big 6f sprint of the week for older horses (open only to four-year-olds and upwards since the advent of the Commonwealth Cup for three-year-olds). Since the race was upgraded to Group 1 nine of the 21 winners were priced in double figures, with only five successful favourites.

A truly international field with contenders from Australia, the USA, France and Hong Kong, but the prize can go to Charlie Appleby's Newmarket stable for the third time in five years, with the thriving 6yo AL SUHAIL looking to have a fair bit in his favour. Campaigned as a miler earlier in his career, he's better at 7f and travelled so strongly in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan in March that 6f could now be his optimum trip. Highfield Princess, arguably unlucky in the King's Stand on Tuesday, is a strong second choice, with last year's third Artorius again feared and Hong Kong raider Wellington a threat if transferring his best form from Sha Tin to Ascot. Big Invasion, another making his British debut, must also be considered, along with Sacred, the reappearing Kinross and course specialist Rohaan.

First run in 1840, the Queen Anne Stakes commemorates the monarch who established racing at Ascot and is the meeting’s top mile race for older horses (aged four and up). Baaeed was the eighth successful favourite in the last 12 runnings and the third in a row. That marks a resumption of the normal pattern following a couple of upsets for Accidental Agent (33-1) and Lord Glitters (14-1) in 2018 and 2019. Before them, the last winner from outside the top four in the betting was Refuse To Bend (12-1) in 2004.


Having posted her biggest performance when fresh at this meeting last year, top-notch filly INSPIRAL holds very persuasive claims back here on her seasonal debut. Judged on ratings and other factors, the Charlie Appleby-trained colts Modern Games (second choice) and Native Trail look the biggest threats. At bigger odds, the lightly raced 4yos Cash and Triple Time are interesting types who could well improve on their ratings and get seriously involved.


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