Royal Ascot Guide 2019

ROYAL ASCOT 2019 GUIDE CALLUM

CONNOCHIE

QUEEN ANNE STAKES TUESDAY 18TH JUNE

ACCIDENTAL AGENT (GB) 5 b h Delegator – Roodle Eve Johnson Houghton Mrs R F Johnson Houghton Shock winner of this race last season; This son of Delegator has failed to replicate that performance since in a handful of outings, but he did put a foot back in the right direction with a good third behind Mustashry in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. He should come on plenty for that effort with his valuable experience in this contest could count for a lot.

BARNEY ROY (GB) 5 b g Excelebration – Alina Charlie Appleby Godolphin Barney Roy was one of the best three-year-old colts in training a couple of seasons back for Richard Hannon. Unfortunately, his stud career didn’t work out, but he’s shown in a couple of outings this season for new trainer Charlie Appleby that his engine is still intact and that his love for the game is still there. He undoubtedly has the most natural talent of these on his best efforts. If he can continue in good heart, he’ll have a big say.

BEAT THE BANK (GB) 5 b g Paco Boy – Tiana Andrew Balding King Power Racing Co Ltd Beat The Bank has only been beaten once outside Group 1 company (8 wins from 9 races), but his record at the highest level isn’t the most flattering. His best effort came here 12months ago when a good fourth behind Accidental Agent. He needs more to figure here, but he’s still relatively lightly raced for his age and would hold strong claims if the ground eased.

HAZAPOUR (IRE) 4 ch c Shamardal – Hazarafa D K Weld H H Aga Khan Hazapour looks one of the unknown quantities in the line-up for this race. He was campaigned as a middle-distance colt last season and ran a creditable race in the Epsom Derby behind Masar. He was dropped to 1m for this first time for the G3 Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown, and he passed that task with flying colours. There’s no doubt he needs to improve to play a leading-role here, but he’s lightly raced and totally unexposed, unlike many in the line-up.

LAURENS (FR) 4 b f Siyouni – Recambe K R Burke John Dance 5-time Group 1 winner against her own sex; Laurens built on her excellent juvenile campaign with a brilliant season as a three-year-old in 2018 with victories coming between 1m-1m2f. She ran a nice race on her seasonal return in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last month behind Mustashry, travelling well before not quite matching the pace of the winner.

She’s entitled to come on plenty for that and should have a say in the finish.

LE BRIVIDO (FR) 5 b h Siyouni – La Bugatty A P O’Brien Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Al Saud & Michael Tabor Winner of the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at this meeting in 2017 when with Andre Fabre; now with Aidan O’Brien, this son of Siyouni is very lightly raced for his age and it’s quite possible we haven’t seen the best of him yet. He built on his promising seasonal/stable debut at Naas to run a very eye-catching race in the Lockinge Stakes last month behind Mustashry. It would be no surprise to see him reverse that form here.

LORD GLITTERS (FR) 6 gr g Whipper – Lady Glitters David O’Meara Geoff & Sandra Turnbull Lord Glitters had an excellent 2018 season, knocking on the door in Group 1 races on two occasions behind Lightning Spear and Accidental Agent in this race 12-months ago. He started 2019 off with an excellent third in the Dubai Turd behind the brilliant Almond Eye, but couldn’t replicate that effort in the Lockinge Stakes last month. He has a good record at Ascot and I’m sure his connections will be hopeful he can bounce back here.

MUSTASHRY (GB) 6 bb g Tamayuz – Safwa Sir Michael Stoute Hamdan Al Maktoum Mustashry has always been a horse with a large amount of talent, but he took his form to a new level when landing a first Group 1 success in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last month. There was no fluke about that win at all, and he won very convincingly. A repeat of that performance would see him be hard to beat in this for Sir Michael Stoute.

ZABEEL PRINCE (IRE) 6 ch g Lope De Vega – Princess Serena Roger Varian Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Zabeel Prince is very lightly for a six-year-old and his connections time and patience was rewarded when this son of Lope De Vega landed the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan last time at Longchamp. He had previously defeated subsequent Lockinge Stakes winner Mustashry on his seasonal reappearance at Newmarket, so he definitely has the form to have a big say here. He handles Good to Firm ground, but I’m almost certain he’s a better horse with some ease in the ground.

Verdict We’ve been lucky to see some superstar milers in recent years with Goldikova, Canford Cliffs, Frankel and Kingman, but I think it’s fair to say, these current bunch just aren’t up to scratch. Maybe that’s me being greedy after seeing some great horses win races like this and Lockinge Stakes in the past with high expectations, but it would be great to see a horse announce themselves as a star of the division here.

There was no fluke about Mustashry’s performance in the Lockinge Stakes last time at Newbury, but it was a huge improvement on his previous efforts. He’s been giving an official rating of 121 for that, which in theory, will make him tough to beat here on paper. Le Brivido has been all the rage in the ante-post market for this contest, and wasn’t too far behind Mustashry last time at Newbury. Some bookmakers pushed him out to 14/1 for this race after that run, which I thought was quite a strange move, but he’s been well found now and finds himself at the head of the betting. He won the Jersey Stakes at this meeting a few seasons back, so the track should hold any fears. I think he has an excellent chance, but will overlook him at his current price as I just think there’s a bit more value elsewhere.

Accidental Agent and Lord Glitters are pretty closely matched on ratings and on their performance in this race last season. Accidental Agent came out on top that day and comes here on the back of a promising seasonal return in the Lockinge Stakes. Laurens is clearly a high-class filly, and is the only multiple G1 winner in the field, but all those wins have come against her own sex. I think this track will suit her better than Newbury and she should have come on plenty for her seasonal debut. Roger Varian’s patience with Zabeel Prince has started to pay off with two very impressive performances this season already, including last time in the G1 Prix d’Ispahan. There should be more to come from this lightly raced 6yo. I’m personally going to side with BARNEY ROY here, who was a very good horse a couple of seasons ago for Richard Hannon. His stallion career didn’t work out, but the breeding industries loss, looks to be our gain. He ran a nice race on his return from a 557-day lay-off to finish a neck second to Zaaki over this C&D in a Listed contest. That run took a nice boost when Zaaki won the G3 Diomed Stakes at Epsom recently in a course record time. Barney Roy didn’t need to improve on that run to win the Prix de Montretout last time at Longchamp, but the victory was a lot more impressive than the winning margin may suggest. He was very keen off a slow-pace, denied a clear run for what felt like an age, before asserting like the high-class horse he is to win cosily. I think that win didn’t just confirm his ability is still there, but also confirmed his love for the game still remains. I’ve seen enough from him in his two outings this season to back him for a race like this in its current state. If there’s a ‘Dark Horse’ lurking in this line-up here, it may be the Dermot Weld trained Hazapour, who is totally unexposed over this trip and could run a big race at an each-way price.

Selection: BARNEY ROY (8/1)

COVENTRY STAKES TUESDAY 18TH JUNE

ARIZONA (IRE) 2 b c No Nay Never – Lady Ederle A P O’Brien Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Arizona bumped into a very smart sort that had the benefit of racecourse experience in the shape of Sunday Sovereign. He built on that effort to create a serious impression last time, pulling 8-lengths clear of a couple of stablemates. He strikes me as the type that’ll be even better in a better race, he has strong claims.

MAXI BOY (GB) 2 b c Oasis Dream – Lavender And Lace Michael Bell Amo Racing Limited 380,000gns yearling; This son of Oasis Dream took a while to get going on his debut, but once finding his stride under Ryan Moore, he picked up well to defeat a well-touted and experienced rival. Michael Bell has been known to send his better juveniles to Yarmouth in the past, and it was only last year he sent out subsequent G1 winner Pretty Pollyanna to make a winning debut at the track. He’s an interesting runner.

MONARCH OF EGYPT (USA) 2 b c American Pharoah – Up A P O’Brien P M Brant & Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor & Derrick Smith $750,000 yearling; Monarch Of Egypt created a very good impression when winning at Naas in April, becoming American Pharoah’s first winner as a stallion. It’s a big worry that we haven’t seen this colt since that impressive winning debut as we know Aidan O’Brien likes to get plenty of experience into his juveniles before heading into Royal Ascot. He’s been replaced by stablemate Arizona as the market leader for this contest, which asks a question about his participation.

PINATUBO (IRE) 2 b c Shamardal – Lava Flow Charlie Appleby Godolphin Pinatubo created a very good impression when making a winning debut at Wolverhampton, a race that thrown up plenty of subsequent winners. He built on that experience to win the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom last time. The form of that race took a slight knock when Oh Purple Reign got beat on his next start, but Pinatubo looks the type that’ll keep going the right way and there should be more to come. There’s also plenty of stamina in his pedigree, so he could easily go for the Chesham Stakes.

PIERRE LAPIN (IRE) 2 b c Cappella Sansevero – Beatrix Potter Roger Varian Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Pierre Lapin is a half-brother to high-class sprinter Harry Angel, and this colt already has one up on his elder sibling by doing what he couldn’t, win on debut. I’m personally a big fan of his sire, Cappella Sansevero, who was a very smart two-year-old for Ger Lyons and actually finished second in this contest. Pierre Lapin was very impressive at Haydock, showing signs of greenness before pulling nicely clear of his field. You’d expect this colt to run here and with natural progression, he could go very well.

REPARTEE (IRE) 2 br c Invincible Spirit – Pleasantry Kevin Ryan Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum 310,000gns yearling; This son of Invincible Spirit created a very good impression in what usually is a good Maiden Stakes at York. He clearly knew his job that day, making most of the running before keeping on strongly to pull 5-lengths clear. Kevin Ryan stated after the race there’s plenty more to come from this colt, but also stated “it’s not all about Ascot”, which obviously asks a question about his participation at the meeting, especially with the owner also having Pierre Lapin for this contest. There’s plenty of stamina in his pedigree, so he could also head for the Chesham Stakes over 7f. Either way, he looks a colt with a future.

THREAT (IRE) 2 ch c Footstepsinthesand – Flare Of Firelight Richard Hannon Cheveley Park Stud I was impressed with the son of Footstepsinthesand when making a winning debut at Newmarket last month, defeating a horse that had the benefit of a run and valuable course experience. That win came over 5f, but he shaped as if a step up to 6f would bring out even more improvement in him next time. Richard Hannon mentioned this race in the aftermath of his debut win and you’d expect this colt to improve for that racecourse experience as he did show some signs of inexperience. He could be anything.

VENTURA REBEL (GB) 2 b c Pastoral Pursuits – Finalize Richard Fahey Godolphin Ventura Rebel made a pleasing winning debut at Thirsk, defeating a well-regarded filly trained by Mark Johnston. He built on that effort to land the Royal Ascot Two-Year-Old Trial at this track over 5f last time, defeating the Wesley Ward trained Lady Pauline. He couldn’t go the pace early-on but stayed on strongly inside the final furlong to win going away. He’ll be running in the colours of Godolphin at Royal Ascot and has the option of running in this contest or the Norfolk Stakes. I think the step up to 6f will suit based on his last run.

Verdict Repartee clearly knew his job on debut when pulling away from his rivals at York, but you’d expect there’d be more to come from him with that effort under his belt. Kevin Ryan was also keen to stress that it isn’t all about Ascot for this colt, so it’ll be interesting if he turns up here. Maxi Boy looks to have a bright future ahead of him and made a pleasing winning debut at Yarmouth despite showing clear signs of inexperience. His trainer tends to run his better juveniles at that track, he’s one that could run a big race at bigger odds. Aidan O’Brien has Arizona and Monarch Of Egypt at the head of the market for this race currently, but I would expect one of them to head for the Norfolk Stakes over 5f. The betting in recent days has suggested Arizona is a confirmed runner in this race and would obviously have a very good chance in this. It has to be a slight worry that Monarch Of Egypt hasn’t run since his winning debut considering Aidan O’Brien likes to get a couple of runs in his horses before heading to Royal Ascot. That said, he did look a very nice colt on debut and wherever he goes at this meeting, he needs serious respect. I was very impressed with THREAT on debut at Newmarket, which can be a pretty tough track for a juvenile on racecourse debut.

He defeated a more experienced rival on that occasion, who also had the benefit of a run at the track. That win came over 5f, but I’d be very hopeful a step-up to 6f will see this colt in a much better light. The Richard Hannon stable have won this with Canford Cliffs and Strong Suit in the past, both colts who only had one previous run to their name. I think the Roger Varian trained Pierre Lapin is a colt with a very bright future ahead of him. He looked very green on debut, but once the penny dropped, he picked up like a very smart horse. I think he’ll stay further than 6f in time, but I just worry that this race may just come too soon for him mentally.

Selection: THREAT (6/1)

KING'S STAND STAKES TUESDAY 18TH JUNE

BATTAASH (IRE) 5 b g Dark Angel – Anna Law Charles Hills Hamdan Al Maktoum Battaash is undoubtedly one of the best sprinters in the world on his day, but sometimes the occasion can get to him and he fails to perform to his brilliant best. He looked better than ever on his seasonal return in the G2 Temple Stakes last time. Suited by conditions, he pulled nicely clear of fellow G1 winners Alpha Delphini and Mabs Cross. Ascot may not be his ideal track, but if he’s on a going day, he’ll take a lot of beating.

BLUE POINT (IRE) 5 b h Shamardal – Scarlett Rose Charlie Appleby Godolphin Blue Point was a good winner of this race last season when defeating several of these, including Battassh and Mabs Cross. Suited by the way the race developed, he stayed on nicely to win convincingly. Not at his best after in the July Stakes and Nunthorpe, he got back on track at the start of this year, winning three-times at Meydan. Blue Point comes into this a fresh horse like last season, and a similar performance puts him in the mix again.

EQUILATERAL (GB) 4 b c Equiano – Tarentaise Charles Hills K Abdullah Equilateral has often given the impression he’s a lot better than we’ve seen from him to date, and there’s no doubt his connections still hold him in very high-regard. He ran OK on both runs over 6f at the start of this season, but was seen to much better effect when a neck second to G1 winner Mabs Cross last time in the G3 Palace House Stakes. He was receiving 4lb from the tough mare on that occasion and will have to concede 3lb in this contest. That 7lb swing in the weights will make things very tough for this son of Equiano, but he’s only a four-year-old, and is unexposed over 5f.

MABS CROSS (GB) 5 b m Dutch Art – Miss Meggy Michael Dods David W Armstrong Mabs Cross has to be one of the toughest and most consistent horses in training. Her consistency at the highest-level was rewarded with a narrow victory in the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp. She had previously finished second and third at Royal Ascot and York, and it was great to see her day in the sunshine. She again started off the season with a win in the G3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket, this time under her Group 1 penalty. A strong pace will suit her well, and she finished a good third in this last season.

SERGEI PROKOFIEV (CAN) 3 bb c Scat Daddy – Orchard Beach A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Three-year-old’s have a decent enough strike-rate in this contest over the years when participating, Sergei Prokofiev, like many at Ballydoyle, was kept busy as a juvenile last season so won’t be short on experience here. He ran a good race in the G1 Commonwealth Cup here last season behind Calyx, but possibly found the 6f trip a little too far. He needs to find improvement if he’s going to get competitive in this, but the C&D might play to his strengths.

SOLDIER’S CALL (GB) 3 bb c Showcasing – Dijarvo Archie Watson Clipper Logistics Similar to the previous mentioned Sergei Prokofiev, Soldier’s Call is a three-year-old that was a very useful juvenile last season, and gained plenty of experience along the way. He finished an excellent narrow third behind Mabs Cross in the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp (showed a lot of pace and finished ahead of Battaash), which was a remarkable achievement for a two-year-old. He should come on for his reappearance at York last time, and has plenty of boxes ticked being a C&D winner at this meeting last season.

Verdict There’s no better horse on their day than Battaash, but the occasion has been known to get to him, so his brilliance isn’t always there. He was brilliant on his return last time in the G2 Temple Stakes, but he did have plenty in his favour on that occasion, and did what was expected. I’m not sure this C&D suits him as well as others, but it doesn’t take a genius to know he sets the standard here. Battaash was no match for Blue Point in this contest last season and was beaten rather convincingly in the end. Blue Point record at Ascot reads 3 wins from 4 career starts, so there’s definitely something about the track that he seems to enjoy. I think the stiff 5f suits him very well and he comes into this year’s renewal in much better form than he did when landing this 12-months ago. I think the two three-year-old’s, Soldier’s Call and Sergei Prokofiev are relatively closely match on the pick of their form. The Archie Watson trained son of Showcasing ran a cracker in France last season against he elders, defeating Battaash, but just finding the tough Mabs Cross just too good. He took Battaash on early on that occasion and they won’t want to do that here. I think this C&D may suit Sergei Prokofiev and a strong gallop will see him in a much better light. I’m going to side with the brilliantly consistent MABS CROSS, who just never seems to have an ‘off day’. I thought she looked brilliant on her seasonal return in the G3 Palace House Stakes, giving away weight to the colts/geldings that had the benefit of a run. I don’t think she was seen to best effect last time at Haydock, losing a shoe and just finding herself with too much to do. She ran a stormer in this race last season behind Blue Point and Battassh, which was her first attempt at a Group 1. I think she’s a better, stronger mare now and I’ll be disappointed if she isn’t in the places.

Selection: MABS CROSS (10/1)

ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES TUESDAY 18TH JUNE

FOX CHAMPION (IRE) 3 b c Kodiac – Folegandros Island Richard Hannon King Power Racing Co Ltd Fox Champion has quickly developed into a very smart colt and was a game winner of the German 2,000 Guineas when we last seen him at Cologne. That form isn’t good enough to win a contest like this, but with that said, he’s improving and we don’t really know how far he can go. He may not want the ground too quick.

KING OF COMEDY (IRE) 3 b c Kingman – Stage Presence John Gosden Lady Bamford Unexposed son of Kingman; King Of Comedy comes into this race with an almost identical profile to last year’s winner of this race Without Parole, who was also trained by John Gosden. I like the way he’s been given plenty of time to mature and improve through the ranks and his impressive win at Sandown last time suggested he’s ready for this step up in class. He’s undoubtedly the unknown quantity in the field.

MAGNA GRECIA (IRE) 3 b c Invincible Spirit – Cabaret A P O’Brien D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor & Flaxman Stables Ireland A lot has been said about this horse and whether he was a fortunate winner of the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, but there’s no doubt about it, he’s a very good colt. He was a convincing winner at Newmarket, but he did possibly benefit from the track bias on the day, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have won anyway. The fact he was well-beaten at the Curragh added a few more flames the debate, but I just thought he looked rather flat. If he can bounce back here, he’ll be a leading player.

PHOENIX OF SPAIN (IRE) 3 gr c Lope De Vega – Lucky Clio Charles Hills Tony Wechsler & Ann Plummer Phoenix Of Spain was a very good juvenile last season, but it was a shock that he was able to win the Irish 2,000 Guineas last time on his seasonal reappearance. He didn’t exactly have a lot to find with Magna Grecia on their run at Doncaster last season, and wasn’t too far behind Too Darn Hot at the same track beforehand, but conceding race fitness in a race like that and to win as impressively as he did was some performance. I don’t think that was a fluke by any means, but he’ll need to replicate that performance if he’s going to land this.

SKARDU (GB) 3 ch c Shamardal – Diala William Haggas Abdulla Al Khalifa I thought this son of Shamardal ran great races in both the English and Irish renewals of the 2,000 Guineas and I think the English race may be the one that got away. He’s a very good smart horse, but I just think he’s the type that will keep finding a couple just too good.

Similar to Qabala, he’s had three quite hard races coming into Royal Ascot, which makes things tough. With that said, he’s only ran four times in his career, so future improvement is entirely possible.

SHAMAN (IRE) 3 ch c Shamardal – Only Green C Laffron-Parias Wertheimer & Frere Interesting runner; Shaman was a useful juvenile last season without being the best in France, but like many by the sire, he’s trained on into a very smart three-year-old this season. I thought he ran a great race in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains when we last seen him behind Persian King despite not enjoying the Heavy ground. He’ll enjoy this return to a sounder surface in this contest, and as we’ve with many French raiders in the past, they seem to thrive on the UK style of racing.

TOO DARN HOT (GB) 3 b c Dubawi – Dar Re Mi John Gosden Lord Lloyd-Webber Too Darn Hot looked as if he had the world at his feet when ending his juvenile campaign last season. Dewhurst Stakes win, Unbeaten, Champion two-year-old and being allocated an official rating of 126, the same rating given to the great Frankel at the end of his two-yearold season. But everything that could go wrong this season so far probably has for the son of Dubawi. He missed his assignment in the Greenham Stakes, which then meant he was ruled out of the 2,000 Guineas itself. I’m not one to question John Gosden’s decisions, but I thought it was a strange move to send him to Ireland for the 2,000 Guineas there after looking to encounter a hard race in the Dante Stakes at York just 9-days before. He finished second there, but I just hope that hasn’t left its mark with the future in mind.

Verdict This race has the potential to be one of the best races of the entire meeting if all horses bring their best form to the table. I think the jury is still out with some of these three-yearold colts at the moment, especially over 1m with the form of the Qipco English 2,000 Guineas not quite working out at present, but it’s still early days. Magna Grecia looked classy and professional at Newmarket when winning in good-style. Obviously, he splits opinion on whether he was a fortunate winner after seemingly racing on the stand-side rail, which seemingly had a slight advantage on the day. His case wasn’t helped when he disappointed at the Curragh next time out and Skardu, who raced on the opposite side of the track reversed the form. The winner that day at the Curragh was Phoenix Of Spain, who was given a very good ride from Jamie Spencer. He was able to reverse juvenile form with a few of his rivals there and shaped as if there’s plenty more to come. He always looked to have the size and scope to make up into an even better three-year-old. Like I stated previously, Too Darn Hot missed his engagement in the Qipco English 2,000 Guineas after encountering a setback in the lead up, but has ran two good races in defeat already this season. I just hope connections haven’t messed about with him too much as it undoubtedly wouldn’t have been the plan to have a hard race in the Dante Stakes (1m2f Derby Trial) before dropping him back to 1m for the Irish 2,000 Guineas just 9-days later. I hope those two races haven’t left their mark on the Champion 2yo from last season. I think I’m going to take a punt on another of John Gosden’s scheduled runners in this in the shape of KING OF COMEDY. At the moment, there’s isn’t a real star in this division and with the form of the English 2,000 Guineas not really holding up since, I’ve opted for the unexposed improver that still could be anything. He’s had an almost identical preparation for this race to Without Parole, who won this contest last season for John Gosden.

Selection: KING OF COMEDY (8/1)

QUEEN MARY STAKES WEDNESDAY 19TH JUNE

ANNA’S FAST (USA) 2 b f Fast Anna – True Will Wesley A Ward Breeze Easy LLC Anna’s Fast looks very well named, as fast is definitely what she is. She made a very impressive winning debut at Keeneland in April, but the time of her win wasn’t brilliant compared to her trainer’s previous winners of this race. That said, she was held under a strong hold throughout and settled very well for a Wesley Ward runner, which will benefit her here on this switch to Turf. Obviously, Wesley Ward likes to target these juvenile races at this meeting and has won this race three-times in the past.

CHASING DREAMS (GB) 2 ch f Starspangledbanner – A Huge Dream Charlie Appleby Godolphin 750,000gns yearling; Chasing Dreams was a very impressive winner on her debut at Newmarket in April, defeating two very good fillies in the shape of Good Vibes and Kemble very easily indeed. She’s clearly quite a ‘buzzy’ individual as she wore a hood for that debut and raced keenly, but she still had enough in the tank to draw readily clear of her rivals. It’s a slight concern that we haven’t seen her again since to gain some more experience, but she sets a good form standard here.

DIVINE SPIRIT (GB) 2 b f Kingman – Shyrl Charlie Appleby Godolphin 850,000gns Breeze-Up purchase; This daughter of Kingman made a remarkable winning debut at Windsor last month, not just for what she did during the race, but what she did before it as well. She went down to the start very freely and seemed to get herself quite worked up beforehand, but as soon as those gates open and she gathered her stride, she picked up nicely to win cosily going away at the finish. She looks a very racy filly that should improve for her debut success. I’d suspect the Albany Stakes over 6f would be her aim, but she’s worth a mention here.

FINAL SONG (IRE) 2 b f Dark Angel – Rahiyah Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin It was hard not to be impressed with this daughter of Dark Angel when making a very impressive winning debut over this C&D. I’m not sure what she beat on that occasion, but I’m a firm believer that you can only beat what’s put in front of you and this filly did so with the minimum of fuss. She seemed to enjoy the Soft ground that day and will likely encounter a lot quicker ground at the Royal meeting, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue for her. She also has the option of running in the Albany Stakes over 6f.

FLIPPA THE STRIPPA (IRE) 2 gr f Outstrip – Clesius Degre Charles Hills Christopher Wright Flippa The Strippa built on her promising debut at Nottingham to get off the mark at the second time of asking when a convincing winner at Chepstow. That victory took a nice boost afterwards when the second came out and won nicely next time out for David Evans. This daughter of first-season sire Outstrip took a big step forward on her next start to land the Listed National Stakes at Sandown, which is often won by a very smart type. She’ll need another step forward here if she’s going to get competitive, but she’s one of the most experienced fillies in the line-up and there should still be more to come from her.

GOOD VIBES (GB)

2 b f Due Diligence – Satsuma David Evans Paul & Clare Rooney Good Vibes was no match for Chasing Dreams on debut at Newmarket, but this daughter of first-season sire Due Diligence hasn’t looked back since winning both her starts in goodstyle, including the Listed Marygate last time at York. That was the same race Signora Cabello won before landing this race last season, so it’s clearly a good pointer for success.

Obviously, she needs more if she’s going to reverse form (5-lengths) with Chasing Dreams here, but she’s clearly improved since they met in April.

ICKWORTH (IRE) 2 b f Shamardal – Ishitaki W McCreery Godolphin This daughter of Shamardal built on her winning debut at Dundalk to take the Listed Flier Stakes at the Curragh last time, defeating a solid colt in King Neptune. She travelled very well last time at the Curragh and I loved the way she picked up when asked to comfortably pull clear at the finish. There looks to be plenty more to come from this filly that should relish a sounder surface and stiff 5f here.

KIMARI (USA) 2 b f Munnings – Cozze Up Lady Wesley A Ward Ten Broeck Farm Inc Kimari represents Wesley Ward, who has won this race three-times in the past, including with Lady Aurelia. Like Lady Aurelia, this daughter of Munnings made her debut at Keeneland a winning one with an impressive display. Obviously, Wesley Ward only brings these juveniles over that he believes will handle the switch to Turf well and this filly (as well as her stablemate Anna’s Fast) needs serious respect.

LAMBETH WALK (GB) 2 ch f Charm Spirit – Cockney Dancer Archie Watson Qatar Racing & David Howden This daughter of Charm Spirit made an impressive winning debut at Windsor in April, clearly knowing her job like many from the stable, she showed a good mixture of speed and stamina that day, which should help her on a track like Ascot. I think her next victory at Chelmsford can be marked up as she was carried very wide 3f out by a rival, which allowed the eventual second (Praxeology) to get first run, but this filly still had enough in the tank to win rather cosily, and that form took a boost recently when the second bolted-up at Ripon.

TANGO (IRE) 2 b f No Nay Never – Idle Chatter A P O’Brien Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier Tango chased home a smart filly on debut in the shape of Albigna, just getting collard in the final strides. She got off the mark at the second time of asking with an impressive performance at Navan. I think this daughter of No Nay Never will be suited by this stiff 5f and she looks capable of running a big race.

Verdict On paper it looks like the boys in blue have a very strong-hand in this contest this season with four unbeaten fillies in the mix-up, but I’m certain they’ll want to separate them if possible. Divine Spirit was very impressive on her debut at Windsor, but I thought she got stronger as the race went on and may be better suited to 6f. Likewise Final Song, who needed plenty of stamina to win over this C&D on debut. I have been impressed with ICKWORTH this season and I liked the way she put the colts in their place last time in a Listed contest at the Curragh. I think she’ll be even better on better ground with a strong pace to aim at, she gets my vote here at the current prices. I actually backed Chasing Dreams for this a couple of weeks back, but I’m just slightly worried at the fact we haven’t seen her since her impressive victory at Newmarket. She’s clearly a free goer and I just took the view at her current price with the lack of real experience, there was maybe better value with the Irish filly, especially if Chasing Dreams doesn’t deal with the occasion very well. The Charles Hills trained Flippa The Strippa comes into this with three runs under her belt, which makes her one of the most experienced in the line-up. She’s far from exposed and could run a good race here after a convincing victory last time at Sandown, a race that has been won by some smart juveniles over the years.

Selection: ICKWORTH (8/1)

PRINCE OF WALES'S STAKES WEDNESDAY 19TH JUNE

CRYSTAL OCEAN (GB) 5 b h Sea The Stars – Crystal Star Sir Michael Stoute Sir Evelyn De Rothschild If any horse in training deserves a Group 1 success, it’s Crystal Ocean. He’s been knocking on the door at the highest-level for the past two seasons, finishing second on three occasions.

He’s taken the same route as he did last year by heading into Royal Ascot winning at both Sandown and Newbury in good-style. He won the G2 Hardwicke Stakes last season and will go unpenalized if he again runs in that contest, but he could also head for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes despite 1m4f looking more suitable.

GHAIYYATH (IRE) 4 b c Dubawi – Nightime Charlie Appleby Godolphin I’ve always been fond of this son of Dubawi and I believe he’s a colt with a lot of talent. He only ran once last season as a three-year-old, but he created a very good impression when landing a G3 at Longchamp in good-style. I thought he was brilliant on his seasonal reappearance in the G2 Prix d’Harcourt, but he failed to fire on his G1 debut in the Prix Ganay behind Waldgeist. I expected more from him that day, but it’s still early days with him and I’ll be disappointed if there isn’t more to come from him at some point.

MAGICAL (IRE) 4 b f Galileo – Halfway To Heaven A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Progressive as a three-year-old last campaign, which ended with a good second at the Breeders’ Cup behind Enable. Magical had previously won the G1 Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot defeating Lah Ti Dar and Coronet rather convincingly. She’s maintained her high-level of performance in her three victories already this season, beating stablemate Flag Of Honour on each occasion, including in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup last time. She comes here fit, and at the top of her game, which can’t be said about many of her rivals.

Verdict This contest has the potential to be a cracker if all the big guns turn up, but with some having other options at the meeting and others not being seen yet this season, it could easily end up cutting up.

Sea Of Class had a great first season last here and should make an even better 4yo this season for her connections. She hasn’t been seen yet in 2019, but this contest has been earmarked as her first assignment, and it’ll be interesting to see how she handles this 1m2f trip considering her two best efforts last season came over 1m4f. The Andre Fabre trained Waldgeist is yet to race on ground classed as Good To Firm, which will likely be the going description at the meeting, but I think he’ll handle it well. He’s a tough, consistent sort that will run his race here. Epsom Derby hero Masar hasn’t been seen on a racecourse since that famous success, but his connections are hopeful he could make his reappearance at Royal Ascot, but his target is undecided at present. If he did turn up, I’d put my money on him running in the Hardwicke Stakes. Both Ghaiyyath and Crystal Ocean have both been earmarked to also head for the Hardwicke Stakes in the build-up, but as we know in horse racing, connections have been known to change their mind. I’m playing this one relatively safe and opted for the MAGICAL, who has plenty of class as we know, but also has race fitness on her side, which I’ve always felt you need in the Group 1 races at Royal Ascot. We haven’t exactly learnt anything knew about her in her three victories this season, but we know she retains all her ability she showed us as a 3yo, which ended with a great race behind Enable at the Breeders’ Cup. I personally feel she will take a lot of beating here.

Selection: MAGICAL (3/1)

MASAR (IRE)

4 ch c New Approach – Khawlah Charlie Appleby Godolphin Masar hasn’t been seen since landing the Epsom Derby last season, which has worked out well with Roaring Lion, Dee Ex Bee and Kew Gardens all high-class performers in behind. I’m not sure if this race is the plan for this son of New Approach as he did miss his intended return in the Coronation Cup at Epsom for whatever reason, but this C&D should be fine for him. If he does show up here, you can be sure Charlie Appleby will have him fit enough to do himself justice.

WALDGEIST (GB)

5 ch h Galileo – Walderche A Fabre Gestut Ammerland & Newsells Park Waldgeist looked better than ever when winning the G1 Prix Ganay by over 4-lengths last time with Study Of Man and Ghaiyyath in behind. He finished a good fourth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last season in fourth, just over a length behind Enable and Sea Of Class.

The ground at Royal Ascot will likely be Good to Firm, which is something this son of Galileo is yet to encounter, but there’s hope he’ll handle a sounder surface.

SEA OF CLASS (IRE) 4 ch f Sea The Stars – Holy Moon William Haggas Sunderland Holding Inc Class act; Sea Of Class didn’t make her racecourse debut until last April, but rather quickly developed into a high-class filly. Winner of the Irish Oaks, she finished off her campaign with an agonisingly close second in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe behind the brilliant Enable.

We’ve yet to see Sea Of Class this season, but there’s great expectation that there’ll be plenty more to come from her as a four-year-old, but 1m4f would be more suitable.

ROYAL HUNT CUP WEDNESDAY 19TH JUNE

AFAAK (GB) 5 b g Oasis Dream – Ghanaati Charles Hills Hamdan Al Maktoum Afaak was progressive last season, winning a competitive handicap at York in good style before running a good race to finish second in this race last season behind Settle For Bay. This son of Oasis Dream hasn’t run this season, but he’s been gelded since we last seen him and comes into this race on the same mark as last season.

BLUE MIST (GB) 4 ch g Makfi – Namaskar Roger Charlton K Abdullah This son of Makfi had a good season last year, finishing second behind the smart Wissahickon on his seasonal return before going on the win a handicap over this C&D in very good style. He ran good race on his seasonal return behind Cape Byron, looking in need of a return to 1m. His mark of 96 is very workable, but leaves him vulnerable to getting a run in this race, but 96 did get a run last season.

BOWERMAN (GB) 5 b h Dutch Art – Jamboretta Roger Varian Paul Smith Bowerman is a very talented horse, but he’s clearly been a horse that’s had his problems along the way, hence the gap between his races. He bult on his return from a 489-day layoff to impressively land a handicap at Newcastle on his next outing. A 9lb rise for that is fair enough considering the manner of his success, and there should be more to come from him if he’s come out of his last race well. He goes well fresh.

CAPE BYRON (GB) 5 ch g Shamardal – Reem Three Roger Varian Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Cape Byron had been knocking on the door of these big 7f/1m handicaps in recent seasons, and that door finally opened last time when landing the Victoria Cup at Ascot. The ground was Good to Soft that day, but Roger Varian has always insisted he’s a better horse on better ground, which he should get here. A 4lb rise for that isn’t too bad, but he’s now 7lb higher than when disappointing in this race last season.

CHIEF IRONSIDE (GB) 4 b c Lawman – Moment Of Time William Jarvis Clive Washbourn Chief Ironside comes into this race 4lb well-in at the weights after finishing an excellent third in the G3 Diomed Stakes at Epsom. He had Zaaki (113) and Oh This Is Us (111) in front of him there with Bye Bye Hong Kong (112) just behind. This son of Lawman looks well treated off 104 here and has good form behind Lord Glitters, Regal Reality and Communique from last season, who have also established themselves at G2 level or above since.

CIRCUS COUTURE (IRE) 7 ch h Intikhab – Bois Joli Jane Chapple-Hyam Mrs Jane Chapple-Hyam Circus Couture ran a stormer in this race last season to finish third at 100/1 on ground that looked too quick beforehand. He lost his way after that effort, but recently bounced back at Nottingham with a good victory despite getting hampered. He gets a 5lb penalty for that success, which puts him on 102, so he’s officially on a 4lb lower mark than last season. Any rain would help his chances further, but he’s proven he handles a sounder surface.

KYNREN (IRE) 5 b g Clodovil – Art Of Gold David Barron Elliott Brothers & Peacock & Partner If any of these deserve their day in the sun, it’s Kynren. He’s been very consistent in these big handicaps, but unfortunately, there’s no reward for consistency in this game and he’s now gone up 8lb in the handicap despite not winning a race. Usually when a horse finishes second so many times you’d question their attitude, but I don’t think there’s anything in that with this horse. He’ll likely again run his brave race, but I always worry he’ll just find a few just too well handicapped.

MORDIN (IRE) 5 b g Invincible Spirit – Bryanstown Simon Crisford Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah Mordin finished an excellent second to Wiissahickon in the Cambridgeshire last season, but received a 5lb hike in the weights for that success, which was pretty harsh considering he was over 3-lengths back. That hike in the weights didn’t stop him winning on his return last month, conceding 12lb to the second on testing ground conditions. He ran well in the G3 Diomed last time in a messy race, he’s the type that could go well in a race like this.

NEW GRADUATE (IRE) 4 ch c New Approach – Srda James Tate Saeed Manana This son of New Approach is firmly on an upward curve and often in these competitive handicaps they’re won by a ‘Group horse in a handicap’, and this colt fits that profile. He was a very impressive winner last time at Ripon by 5-lengths. That form has taken countless form-boosts since with Kaeso placing in the Victoria Cup and winning at Chester, Fayez winning twice, and Crownthorpe winning twice. New Graduate 15lb rise for that success makes things a lot tougher in a race like this, but it was justified. He has the form to have a big say in things if his inexperience doesn’t get in the way.

ROBIN OF NAVAN (FR) 6 ch h American Post – Cloghran Harry Dunlop Haven’t A Pot & Richard Foden Robin Of Navan was a winner of the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud back in 2015 over 1m2f, with Cloth Of Stars and Idaho in behind. There’s no doubt he’s a long way below that form now, but he’s shown recently he’s still a horse with a good amount of ability, most notable his good third behind smart performers Zaaki and Barney Roy. He encountered a luckless run last time at Newbury, but he shaped like a very well handicapped horse. He’s one to keep on the right side of.

SETTLE FOR BAY (FR)

5 b g Rio De La Plata – Dissitation David Marnane McGettigans Management Services JLT & Maurice Casey Settle For Bay was a very comfortable winner of this race last season, but he’s yet to replicate that effort in a handful of outings since. He comes into this race on a 6lb higher mark than his success last season, which is pretty fair considering his dominance in a very competitive handicap. This looks like it’s been the plan since last year.

WHAT’S THE STORY (GB) 5 b g Harbour Watch – Spring Fashion Keith Dalgleish Weldspec Glasgow Limited What’s The Story ran a very good race in this last season when finishing fourth behind Settle For Bay. He’s shown improved form since gelded over the winter this season, building on his return effort behind Dubai Legacy to win a valuable handicap last time at York. Up 4lb for that success, he’s only 2lb higher here than when finishing fourth last season, and he could just have more to come this season now gelded. Should go well.

Verdict The Royal Hunt Cup is always a tough on to call, especially from an ante-post perspective as I like to know the draw of each runner and where the pace will be, but this is what I think at this stage.

Cape Byron and Kynren are consistent sorts in the these big-field handicaps over 7f/1m, but I think they look in the handicapper’s grip for this contest. Settle For Bay is only 6lb higher than when he won this race last season, which gives him great hope of going well again. He hasn’t been in the same form since that impressive success, but I suspect this race would have been the plan all season. Bowerman must be a frustrating horse for his connections, he’s clearly a horse with a huge amount of ability, but unfortunately, we’ve only been able to see him on a racecourse on a handful of occasions. He was very impressive last time at Newcastle, I think a 7lb rise for that success is pretty fair, but this will a much different test.

He goes well fresh and this would have been the plan after winning last time. I like the look of NEW GRADUATE in this, who currently heads the betting. It was hard not to be impressed with his victory last time at Ripon, pulling 5-lengths clear of a number of nexttime out winners. The handicapper gave him a 15lb rise for that victory, which clearly makes life tough, but he’s going the right way and I suspect he’ll be better than a handicapper in time. The other I like at a bigger price is G1 winner ROBIN OF NAVAN, who looks too well-handicapped to ignore in this contest. As I said, he was a G1 winner a few seasons ago and has proven he still retains plenty of ability in a few starts this season, including when third in a Listed race over this C&D behind Zaaki and Barney Roy, who could boost the form in the Queen Anne Stakes. Mordin and Chief Ironside are relatively closely matched on their running last time at Epsom, preference would go to Chief Ironside, who is officially 4lb well in here after that good effort. Similar comments apply to Circus Couture and What’s The Story, who finished third and fourth in this race 12-months ago and both come into this race on the back of good wins.

Selection: NEW GRADUATE (8/1) & ROBIN OF NAVAN (20/1)

RIBBLESDALE STAKES THURSDAY 20TH JUNE

ENTITLE (GB) 3 b f Dansili – Concentric John Gosden K Abdullah Entitle is a half-sister to the brilliant Enable, but looks to have a fair amount of ability herself without looking a future threat to her elder sibling. She was clueless on her debut at Newmarket last season and was given time to mature mentally and physically by her connections. She got off the mark at the second time of asking at Lingfield, showing good battling qualities after looking beat. She again built on that to run a cracker in the G2 Musidora Stakes at York, only going down by a neck. She’s still unexposed and it’s likely we haven’t seen the best of her just yet.

FRANKELLINA (GB)

3 ch f Frankel – Our Obsession William Haggas A E Oppenheimer Frankellina ran a nice race on her seasonal return in the G2 Musidora Stakes at York and followed that up with a run better than her finishing position suggested in the Epsom Oaks last time. I’m not totally convinced she handled the track, but she plugged on well enough after finding herself quite far off the pace. That was only her third career start and her first effort over 1m4f, which looks like it’ll be her optimum trip. She’ll be interesting if turning up here.

LAVENDER’S BLUE (IRE)

3 b f Sea The Stars – Beatrice Aurore Amanda Perrett Benny Andersson Well-bred filly; Lavender’s Blue is by Sea The Stars out of connections G3 winner and G1 placed Beatrice Aurore. This filly achieved what her dam couldn’t, and that is, win on debut, which she did in very good-style at Newmarket in April. She built on that promising winning debut to finish a good second in what is usually a good Listed contest at Newbury behind the Sir Michael Stoute trained Queen Power. She was bitterly disappointing when quietly fancied by many in the Epsom Oaks last time, but she’s much better than she showed there and is worth a second looking if taking up her entry here.

MANUELA DE VEGA (IRE) 2 b f Lope De Vega – Roscoff Ralph Beckett Waverley Racing This daughter of Lope De Vega really should have finished a lot closer to Mehdaayih in the Cheshire Oaks last month, finding herself stuck on the rail and allowing the winner to have first run. She built on that effort to finish an excellent fourth in the Epsom Oaks last time, she showed a great attitude on that occasion as she was short of room and took a bump when challenging, but it wouldn’t have affected her finishing position on the day. She should come on for that experience again and is capable of running a big race here.

MEHDAAYIH (GB) 3 b f Frankel – Sayyedati Symphony John Gosden Emirates Park Pty Ltd Mehdaayih won a Novice Stakes at Yarmouth last October narrowly, but gave the impression she was a filly that could develop into a smart type, and that’s what she’s done since. She was a very impressive winner of the Cheshire Oaks on her penultimate start, but didn’t enjoy the rub of the green when sent off the 11/4 favourite for the Epsom Oaks last time. She was hampered, denied clear runs and was short of room at crucial moments, which ended any chance she had. It’s quite possible she could make up for that here at a track at track that should suit.

NAUSHA (GB)

3 b f Kingman – Nazym Roger Varian Nurlan Bizakov Nausha was pretty disappointing on her seasonal return at Kempton in April, but she left that effort well behind when landing the G2 Musidora Stakes at York on her next start. She finished ahead of Entitle and Frankellina on that occasion with the first impression that it was a decent enough renewal of the race. On pedigree she isn’t certain to stay this 1m4f being a daughter of Kingman, but she is out of a Galileo mare so it gives her some hope and she wasn’t exactly stopping last time. She needs more, but she’s going the right way.

PINK DOGWOOD (IRE) 3 br f Camelot – Question Times A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor I thought Pink Dogwood ran a cracker in the Epsom Oaks last time, just getting outstayed by a tougher filly on the day. We always credit Ballydoyle for their brilliantly judged tactics in these big races, but I thought it was a rare occasion where they got it wrong in the Epsom Oaks. They went very slow in front, which meant Pink Dogwood had to make up a lot of ground in the straight, she took the lead, but Anapurna, who always had the leaders in her sights just had more in the tank when it mattered. I’m not sure this race is the plan for this filly, but she sets the standard.

QUEEN POWER (IRE)

3 ch f Shamardal – Princess Serena Sir Michael Stoute King Power Racing Co Ltd This daughter of Shamardal should probably still be unbeaten if it wasn’t for her slight inexperience and a well-judged ride from Frankie Dettori on her penultimate start at Ascot.

She built on that effort to win a Listed contest at Newbury, a performance I feel was more impressive than her winning margin may suggest. She was slowly away and found herself out the back off a slow-pace, but still managed to stay on well to win rather cosily. She’s a half-sister to recent G1 winner Zabeel Prince and most of the family seem happy between 1m-1m2f, so this 1m4f asks a few new questions of her, but she’s a talented filly.

STAR CATCHER (GB) 3 b f Sea The Stars – Lynnwood Chase John Gosden A E Oppenheimer This daughter of Sea The Stars built on her debut at Chelmsford to take advantage of a good-looking opportunity at Newbury in April, handling the ground conditions well. She returned to Newbury a month later to tackle the Listed Haras De Bouquetot Stakes, finishing a narrow third behind Queen Power. She seemed to have the run of the race out in front there, but couldn’t quite hold on. I think there’ll be more to come from this filly at some stage, and she should relish a step up to 1m4f being a daughter of Sea The Stars.

Verdict I don’t really have a strong opinion on this race at the moment, and it definitely wouldn’t be a race I’ll be playing from an ante-post perspective, but I’ll try and dissect it as much as I can.

Anthony Oppenheimer has two nice fillies entered in the race in the shape of Star Catcher and Frankellina, who are both lightly raced and should have plenty more to come in the future. The John Gosden trained Star Catcher should relish the step up to 1m4f here and it would be no surprise to see her take her form to a new level. She gets the vote over Frankellina, who might just need a bit more time until we see the best of her. The Sir Michael Stoute trained Queen Power finished ahead of Star Catcher last time at Newbury, a performance I feel can be marked up a notch as she came from the back off a slow gallop.

She shaped like a step up in trip was needed on the back of that performance, but I wouldn’t be too sure myself. She was keen over 1m on her seasonal return and all her siblings were at their best between 7f-1m2f, it’ll be interesting to see how she gets on.

Entitle and Nausha are very closely matched on their run last time at York. The latter isn’t certain to be suited by this step up to 1m4f and that may just swing things in Entitle’s favour, who is a half-sister to the brilliant Enable. She actually holds an entry in a Listed contest at Newbury on the Thursday before this race, so it’ll be interesting to see where she goes. I haven’t heard much about the participation of PINK DOGWOOD in this race, but I’m taking the view that she’ll back up her good second in the Epsom Oaks here. Like I said previously, I thought Ballydoyle got their team tactics wrong at Epsom and the slow pace meant this filly was just too far back and had to make up a lot of distance to get into a challenging position, by the time she had, the petrol was just emptying and it allowed the winner to regain the lead. Aidan O’Brien has won 4 of the last 5 renewals of this race, including last season with Magic Wand, who like Pink Dogwood, tasted defeat at Epsom beforehand. Things just didn’t go to plan for Mehdaayih at Epsom last time, but we know she’s a lot better than she showed there. I think Manuela De Vega has to be of interest in this race after her good effort last time in the Epsom Oaks. Her finishing position wouldn’t have been affected, but she did take a bump at a crucial stage and was staying on well at the finish. It would be no surprise to see her go very well here and would get my vote if Pink Dogwood didn’t show up.

Selection: PINK DOGWOOD (5/1)

ASCOT GOLD CUP THURSDAY 20TH JUNE

CALLED TO THE BAR (IRE) 5 b g Henrythenavigator – Perfect Hedge Mme Pia Brandt Fair Salinia Ltd & Pia Brandt Called To The Bar has some good form to his name, including a good third behind Group 1 winner Waldgeist from last season. He’s shown some good form since switched to staying trips, which included a very good performance in the G2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier when we last seen him at Longchamp. Obviously, this race will need a lot more and his ability to stay 2m4f has to be taken on trust, but he’s an interesting runner.

CROSS COUNTER (GB) 4 b g Teofilo – Waitress Charlie Appleby Godolphin Melbourne Cup winner; Cross Counter firmly put Dee Ex Be in his place last season at Goodwood over 1m4f, setting a new course record in the process. This son of Teofilo is clearly a high-class stayer, but his greatest attribute is undoubtedly his deadly turn of foot, which might not be there over this extreme distance. I think he’ll be happier over 2m, but it’s the Ascot Gold Cup, it’s worth a try.

DEE EX BEE (GB) 4 b c Farhh – Dubai Sunrise Mark Johnston Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Dee Ex Bee has looked a different horse this season now switched to staying trips, winning both his starts in good style, including the G2 Henry II Stakes under a penalty last time. Like a lot of these, his ability to stay this 2m4f trip has to be taken on trust, but he looks a relentless galloper that strikes me as the type that should stay this trip.

FALCON EIGHT (IRE) 4 b c Galileo – Polished Gem D K Weld Moyglare Stud Farm Falcon Eight has a lot to find on form and ratings if he’s going to threaten in this contest, but he represents previous winners of this race and is still totally unexposed. He’s only ran 4times in his career and is closely related to Prince Of Wales’s Stakes winner Free Eagle, who stayed 1m2f, but this colt is a different type physically and shapes as if a stamina test like this will suit him well. I think he could run into a place at a nice price.

FLAG OF HONOUR (IRE) 4 b c Galileo – Hawala A P O’Brien Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Flag Of Honour was a very good winner of the G1 Irish St. Leger last season as a three-yearold before chasing home Stradivarius in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup. He finished a close fourth that day, but I thought he shaped a lot better than his finishing position. He had the run of the race in front, but I thought Ryan Moore set a moderate pace and it turned into a sprint from the home bend, which just didn’t suit him. He kept galloping to the line and I think this return to staying trips after chasing home Magical three-times this season should see him in a much better light.

KEW GARDENS (IRE) 4 b c Galileo – Chelsea Rose A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Kew Gardens was a good winner of the St Leger last season, but has yet to taste victory since then. He ran a good race in the G1 Coronation Cup last time at Epsom last time, but if anything, I thought he got outpaced by Defoe towards the finish. He’s had a couple of hard races already this season, which would have to a slight worry, but we know these Galileo’s are notably tough, so hopefully it won’t be too much of an issue. He has the option of running in the Ascot Gold Cup or the Hardwicke Stakes, and has to be entitled to great respect in either.

STRADIVARIUS (IRE) 5 ch h Sea The Stars – Private Life John Gosden B E Nielsen Obviously, there’s not much to say about this horse that we don’t already know. He’s the reigning Champion Stayer from last season that got his season off to the perfect start at York. He was conceding weight all round and found the 1m6f trip too sharp, but still managed to stamp his class on the contest. He won this race last season, so we know he stays the trip well. If he’s in the same form again, he should be very difficult to beat, but he does have some knew faces to conquer.

Verdict Cross Counter is a high-class performer over 2m, which have included victories in the Melbourne Cup and Dubai Gold Cup, but I’d have serious stamina worries about him as I just think he has too much pace for this trip. If this was run over 2m, he’d probably get my vote.

Dee Ex Bee strikes me as the type that will stay this trip well as he just looks a relentless galloper that seems to keep finding, but others do have better form than him.

STRADIVARIUS stamped his authority on this division last season and became the first winner of the Weatherby’s Stayer’s Million. He’s got what all those great stayers before him had, stamina, class, toughness and most importantly, a great will to win. He’s not flashy, is unlikely to blow his field away in his races, but he gets the job done, and only does what he needs to. There’s no doubt that he’s going to take some beating in this race if he remains in the same form, he gets my vote to be the first horse since Yeats to win back-to-back renewals of this prestigious prize. Falcon Eight is in my ‘Flat Horses To Follow 2019’ and I’d be hopeful of a good effort from him in this. He has a lot to find with Stradivarius and a few of the other, but I definitely don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet and this trip could unlock further improvement in him. I thought he ran an eye-catching race last time when a strong finishing second, he should improve physically and mentally for that. Flag Of Honour has chased Magical home on three occasions already this season over shorter trips, but has looked as if he’s crying out for a return to staying trips. He may not be a certain runner here, but he definitely has to be entitled to plenty of respect. Kew Gardens didn’t exactly shape like a horse begging for a step up to 2m4f last time when a good second in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. He’s undoubtedly got the class to have a big say, but obviously, he’ll need to prove his stamina.

Selection: STRADIVARIUS (13/8)

ALBANY STAKES FRIDAY 21ST JUNE

ALBIGNA (IRE) 2 ch f Zoffany – Freedonia Mrs John Harrington Niarchos Family Albigna made a pleasing winning debut last month at the Curragh, showing a very good attitude to challenge between rivals, before getting up in final strides to deny Tango. The form of that race has worked out nicely with Tango winning very easily on her next start at Navan and looks a very smart filly in her own right. I think this daughter of Zoffany will undoubtedly appreciate a step up to 7f in time, but she showed enough speed on debut to suggest a strongly run stiff 6f will suit her well.

DAAHYEH (GB) 2 ch f Bated Breath – Affluent Roger Varian Fawzi Abdulla Nass This daughter of Bated Breath made a pleasing winning debut last month at Newmarket in what looked an above average contest beforehand. She was well-backed on that occasion so a good run was clearly expected from her that day and she ran on well inside the final furlong to pull nicely clear of Raffle Prize, who won very easily on her next start at Chester.

This filly may also appreciate a step up to 7f in time, but 6f looks fine at this stage in her career.

DIVINE SPIRIT (GB) 2 b f Kingman – Shyrl

Charlie Appleby Godolphin 850,000gns Breeze-Up purchase; This daughter of Kingman made a remarkable winning debut at Windsor last month, not just for what she did during the race, but what she did before it as well. She went down to the start very freely and seemed to get herself quite worked up beforehand, but as soon as those gates open and she gathered her stride, she picked up nicely to win cosily going away at the finish. She looks a very racy filly that should improve for her debut success.

ETOILE (USA) 2 b f War Front – Gagnoa A P O’Brien Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Well-bred filly; This daughter of War Front was set a pretty tough task on her racecourse debut in the G3 Coolmore Stud Sprint Stakes, but she passed that test with flying colours to defeat a nice filly trained by Ger Lyons. She showed clear signs of inexperience as you’d expect from a filly making her debut against experienced fillies that had shown a good-level of form, but she got better as the race developed and like many from the stable, she should improve massively for that run.

FINAL SONG (IRE) 2 b f Dark Angel – Rahiyah Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin It was hard not to be impressed with this daughter of Dark Angel when making a very impressive winning debut over this C&D. I’m not sure what she beat on that occasion, but I’m a firm believer that you can only beat what’s put in front of you and this filly did so with the minimum of fuss. She seemed to enjoy the Soft ground that day and will likely encounter a lot quicker ground at the Royal meeting, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue for her.

NAYIBETH (USA) 2 b f Carpe Diem – Le Relais Wesley Ward Ramon Tallaj Nayibeth looked very good when making a winning debut at Keeneland in April, pulling nicely clear of a stablemate. Wesley Ward hasn’t had a juvenile winner at Royal Ascot over this trip, which has to be a slight concern, but this filly doesn’t have your typical precocious Wesley Ward pedigree being a half-sister to G2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes (1m1f) winner Soldat, so this 6f trip could be ideal if she’s able to settle early-on.

SILENT WAVE (GB) 2 b f War Front – Secret Gesture Charlie Appleby Godolphin Silent Wave made a very taking winning debut at Goodwood last month, running green 3f from home, she ran on well at the finish to win going away at the finish. Charlie Appleby has run some high-class horses at Goodwood on debut in the past, most notably subsequent Epsom Derby winner Masar. Like Masar, this daughter of War Front is bred to stay further in time, and may be on for the Chesham Stakes with Charlie Appleby also having Divine Spirit for this contest, but she looks a bright prospect.

Verdict Wesley Ward is yet to have a juvenile winner over 6f at Royal Ascot and has had a large number of runners, but I think his runner this year, Nayibeth, looks one of his strongest contenders. I think he’s figured out what’s needed to win these 6f races now at this meeting as I think he used to pick one that wasn’t as good as his runners in the 5f races, but this season he has a filly that’s ran a quicker time on debut that his two fillies in the Queen Mary Stakes, but is bred to stay a lot further than 6f. She’s been well found in the market currently, which has put me off her slightly, but I think she’ll run well. Albigna was a good winner over a subsequent winner on debut, but I think we’ll be seeing the best of her over further later in the season. Similar comments apply to Silent Wave, who got better as the race went on debut at Goodwood. That win came over 6f, but with her pedigree you’d imagine 7f would be more suitable. She looks a nice filly and could go for the Chesham Stakes. Charlie Appleby also has expensive 850,000gns Breeze-Up purchase Divine Spirit in the mix-up for this contest. She made a remarkable winning debut at Windsor last month as she went down to the start very keenly and you’d have forgiven her a bad run, but she looked very professional during the race. She really warmed up to the task with 2f to go to record a very impressive success. I think a step up to 6f will suit this daughter of Kingman here, but she’ll need to handle the preliminaries a lot better here, but she looks to have a lot of ability. I like the look ETOILE in this contest for Ballydoyle. There’s not many that can make a winning debut in a G3 against fillies that had shown a good-level of ability. This daughter of War Front showed a very likeable attitude on that occasion despite showing clear signs of greenness. There should be plenty more to come from her in the future. Saaed bin Suroor has never won this race, but bids to this season with Final Song, who was a good winner over 5f at Ascot on Soft ground on debut. She needed plenty of stamina to win on that occasion and should be fine over 6f on a likely sounder surface. She looks another with a bright future ahead of her based on that performance.

Selection: ETOILE (6/1)

KING EDWARD VII STAKES FRIDAY 21ST JUNE

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE (IRE) 3 b c Galileo – Hveger A P O’Brien Mrs John Magnier & Derrick Smith & Michael Tabor Cape Of Good Hope landed the Listed Blue Riband Trial at Epsom, but that form wasn’t the most appealing so connections opted to run in the Prix du Jockey Club last month where he finished a staying-on fourth behind Sottsass and Persian King. He’s a full-brother to Highland Reel and Idaho, who both tasted success over this C&D at Royal Ascot in the Hardwicke Stakes, so there’s hope this colt can improve upped to 1m4f.

CONSTANTINOPLE (IRE) 3 b c Galileo – One Moment In Time A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Constantinople still looks a work in progress and there’s no doubt he’s a very tricky ride. I think he’ll definitely appreciate a step up in trip being a full-brother to Queen’s Vase Stakes winner Bondi Beach, but he’s not entirely straight forward and we’ve seen that on two occasions this season. He’s been doing his best work in the final furlong on both starts, but he was diving in behind horses on both occasions and did his jockey no favours. I’m happy to put that down to inexperience at this stage.

EAGLES BY DAY (IRE) 3 b c Sea The Stars – Missunited Michael Bell Clipper Logistics This son of Sea The Stars’ pedigree looks all about stamina being out of Missunited, who was finished second in an Ascot Gold Cup and won over 2m4f over hurdles during her career. Eagles By Day was a very impressive winner at Salisbury on his penultimate start, defeating a subsequent winner by 7-lengths. He travelled well last time at Lingfield behind the Epsom Derby winner, possibly failing to handle to Soft ground. He should continue to progress and might be a Melrose type if he doesn’t land this.

JALMOUD (GB) 3 ch c New Approach – Dancing Rain Charlie Appleby Godolphin Extremely well-bred colt; Jalmoud is by Epsom Derby winner New Approach out of Epsom Oaks winner Dancing Rain. He was always going to make up into a much better three-yearold and he built on his Novice Stakes win at Newmarket to land a Listed contest last month at Longchamp. That was only his third career start so you’d expect there to be more to come from this well-bred horse, especially now returning to better ground to what he encountered last time in France.

JAPAN (IRE) 3 b c Galileo – Shastye A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor I wouldn’t be certain that this race is the plan for Japan, but there’s been a few rumours in the last week or so that this contest is favoured over a run in the Irish Derby, but as we know, plans do change in this game. I thought he was a huge eye-catcher last time at Epsom, and he’d have personally been the one I took out of the race with the St Leger in mind. It’s hard to know if that was a good renewal of the Derby, but he sets the form standard if showing up here.

PABLO ESCOBARR (IRE) 3 b c Galileo – Bewitched William Haggas Hussain Alabbas Lootah Pablo Esobarr chased home Line of Duty in a Maiden Stakes at Goodwood last season before getting off the mark at the fourth time of asking at the same track. He finished a good second behind subsequent Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck at Lingfield, always travelling well throughout before failing to match the pace of the winner. That form puts him firmly in the mix here if he can repeat that effort, and the fact he missed a tough assignment in the Epsom Derby could be seen to good effect here.

PRIVATE SECRETARY (GB) 3 b c Kingman – Intrigued John Gosden Denford Stud Private Secretary has the progressive profile that you need to win this contest and hails from a stable that have won this race with similar types in the past, including Eagle Top and Nathaniel. This son of Kingman won rather cosily last time at Goodwood in the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes, a race his half-brother won back in 2012. I think this colt will continue going the right way and should have plenty more to come this season.

Verdict Obviously, Epsom Derby third Japan would set a pretty high standard for his rivals to aim at if Aidan O’Brien gives him the green light to run in this race instead of the Irish Derby. He’s had 20-days to get over that race, which for a normal race you’d say was plenty of time to recover, but we know the Derby isn’t a normal race and is more physically demanding than most races. On that basis, I’ll look elsewhere at his current price with his participation not confirmed yet. There’s no doubt that Jalmoud needs to find a bit more improvement if he’s going to land a blow here, but he’s a progressive well-bed colt that looks to be going the right way. He should also appreciate this return to a sounder surface after competing on Soft ground last time in France. The William Haggas trained Pablo Escobarr looked good in defeat last time at Lingfield when second behind Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck.

This race has clearly been the plan since that race after skipping the Derby, he needs respecting. I’m going to side with PRIVATE SECRETARY here for John Gosden, who looks to have the ideal profile for this contest. He missed a gruelling race in Epsom Derby in favour of a run at Goodwood in preparation for this contest, he’s improving with each outing and I’m hopeful he can take another step forward to win this. I think Cape Of Good Hope could go well in this if connections give him the green light. I thought he ran well last time in France and with his pedigree you’d expect to see improvement from him when upped to 1m4f.

Selection: PRIVATE SECRETARY (6/1)

COMMONWEALTH CUP FRIDAY 21ST JUNE

ADVERTISE (GB) 3 b c Showcasing – Furbelow Martyn Meade Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited Advertise was one of the leading juveniles last season. He finished a good second in the G2 Coventry Stakes behind Calyx before going one better to land the G1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. He was no match for Too Darn Hot in the G1 Dewhurst Stakes, but finished a good second with the Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck back in third. He just didn’t stay the trip last time in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas and should be suited by this drop back to 6f, which he excelled over as a two-year-old.

BIG BROTHERS PRIDE (FR) 3 b f Invincible Spirit – Polygreen F Rohaut Kin Hung Kei & Qatar Racinig Ltd This daughter of Invincible Spirit cost €400,000 as a yearling and is a half-sister to G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Polydream. I was very impressed with her when landing the G3 Prix Sigy last time at Chantilly, a race that was won by Quiet Reflection in the past, who is a previous winner of the Commonwealth Cup and Sands Of Mali, who finished an unlucky second in this race last season, but did win the G1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.

It’s a slight concern that this filly comes into this with only one run back in April to her name, but she looks a filly with a very bright future ahead of her and might go under the radar.

FAIRYLAND (IRE)

3 b f Kodiac – Queenofthefairies A P O’Brien Mrs E M Stockwell/M Tabor/D Smith Fairyland was a very good juvenile last season, winning 4-times, including the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on her final outing with Lady Kaya in behind. I thought she ran good races in both the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas this season, but hasn’t been quite staying that final furlong as strong as you’d have liked. This potential drop back to 6f will hold no fears for this daughter of Kodiac and will put her back in her comfort zone.

HELLO YOUMZAIN (FR) 3 b c Kodiac – Spasha Kevin Ryan Jaber Abdullah Hello Youmzain ended his two-year-old season off with an impressive performance in a G2 at Maisons-Laffitte, defeating some more experienced rivals, shaping like a colt with a good future ahead of him. He shaped better than the result in Greenham Stakes at Newbury, just tiring inside the last furlong. He bounced back in great-style last time when landing the G2 Sandy Lane, which has been seen as a good trial for this race. He lowered the colours of Calyx there, who subsequently sustained an injury, but taking nothing away from Hello Youmzain, he was a very impressive winner.

JASH (IRE) 3 b c Kodiac – Miss Azeza Simon Crisford Hamdan Al Maktoum Jash quickly developed into a very smart colt after winning impressively on his debut at Newmarket, before ending his juvenile season with a good run behind Ten Sovereigns in the G1 Middle Park Stakes, which I thought was a brilliant effort for just his third run. I liked the way he won on his return to action last time at Newmarket, he was pretty keen early on, but picked up well when asked to go and win his race before just getting a little tired late on.

That was over 7f, but I think a drop back to a stiff 6f with a strong pace to aim at will suit him well.

KHAADEM (IRE) 3 br c Dark Angel – White Daffodil Charles Hills Hamdan Al Maktoum Khaadem is held in pretty high-regard by his connections and we’re started to see why on the racecourse. He showed a good-level of form as a two-year-old last season, but built on those efforts with a good performance on his seasonal return in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury. He was plenty keen early on, but still had enough in the tank late on to assert past Oxted. There’s no doubt that Khaadem needs to find more if he’s going to make this step up to Group 1 company a winning one, but he represents the connections of Muhaarar,

TEN SOVERIGNS (IRE) 3 b c No Nay Never – Seeking Solace A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor High-class juvenile last season, ending an unbeaten campaign with a good performance in the G1 Middle Park Stakes with Jash back in second. He was sent off the 9/4 favourite for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas on his seasonal return, but could only manage fifth. There were stamina concerns surrounding him before that race, but with the way the race developed, we didn’t actually find out if he stayed or not. He hasn’t had a perfect preparation for this race, but he’s a colt with a lot of gears and sets a good standard.

Verdict This looks one of the most interesting and competitive renewals of the Commonwealth Cup since its first running in 2015. It was won by Muhaarar that year, and he went on to be a great flagbearer for the race in its inaugural season. The connections of Muhaarar will be represented by Khaadem this season, who looks a young sprinter going the right way. He’ll need to build on his Newbury victory to play a leading role here, but that was his first run of the season so he’s entitled to improve. Hamdan Al Maktoum will also be represented by Jash, who despite winning over 7f last time, has always shaped as if a strongly run 6f will see him at his very best. He was a good juvenile and I think his victory at Newmarket showed us he retains all that ability. Advertise just didn’t stay in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas last time, but a return to his juvenile form would give him strong form claims now dropped back to 6f.

Similar comments apply to Fairyland, who was one of the leading juveniles last season. She has run two OK races over 1m this season, but I think she’ll be a lot happier back sprinting. I think Ballydoyle look to have a stronger claim with Ten Sovereigns, who should also appreciate this drop-in trip after his assignment in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas. The Kevin Ryan trained Hello Youmzain arguably has the best form from this season to his name after defeating Calyx impressively at Haydock last time. It was subsequently reported that Calyx sustained an injury during that race, which has ruled him out until the autumn, so it’s difficult to say how strong that form is. I’m going to opt for the French filly BIG BROTHERS PRIDE here, who impressed me last time at Chantilly in the same race Quiet Reflection and Sands Of Mali ran in before landing G1 races over this C&D. My main reason is, I think she’s overpriced currently, but the other is, with so many in this race dropping back to 6f after runs over 1m, I’m sticking with the sprinter, who we know is fast enough. Being a daughter of Invincible Spirit, she should enjoy some better ground, and it may even bring out some more improvement, which should be expected after just three races.

Selection: BIG BROTHERS PRIDE (16/1)

CORONATION STAKES FRIDAY 21ST JUNE

CASTLE LADY (IRE) 3 b f Shamardal – Windsor County H-A Pantall Godolphin Narrow winner of the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches last time, I’m not entirely sure that was the strongest of contest, but she’s a daughter of Shamardal out of an Elusive Quality mare, so the Heavy ground possibly stopped her showing her true ability. She should enjoy the sounder surface here and this contest may see her in a much better light. She’s also only had three runs, so there should be plenty more to come from her throughout this season.

HERMOSA (IRE)

3 b f Galileo – Beauty Is Truth A P O’Brien Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier Hermosa has looked brilliant this season, completing the English/Irish 1,000 Guineas double last time with a dominant success at the Curragh. I think she’s undoubtedly a filly that will enjoy a step up to 1m2f at some point, but when she’s proved a cut above her rivals over 1m, there’s no need to change things just yet. She’ll take a lot of beating again.

JUBILOSO (GB) 3 b f Shamardal – Joyeuse Sir Michael Stoute K Abdullah Very well-bred filly; By Shamardal, out of Listed winner Joyeuse, who is a half-sister to the great Frankel. Jubiloso has looked a filly with a very bright future ahead in her two career wins this season, most notably her win last time at Newbury. Obviously, this will represent a big step up in class after only winning a Maiden and Novice previously, but she’s with the right trainer and should have plenty more to come.

MAGNETIC CHARM (GB) 3 b f Exceed And Excel – Monday Show William Haggas The Queen Magnetic Charm showed a good-level of form last season as a juvenile without showing the form of a few of these in the line-up. She was possibly unlucky not to finish a lot closer in the G2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster, but that was still a good effort behind Fleeting, who finished a good third in the Epsom Oaks. I was quite taken by this daughter of Exceed And Excel on her seasonal return at York, pulling nicely clear with a talented filly trained by John Gosden. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of this filly yet.

MAIN EDITION (IRE) 3 b f Zoffany – Maine Lobster Mark Johnston Saif Ali Main Edition was one of the best juvenile fillies in training last season, winning 4-times, including the G3 Albany Stakes at this meeting. She disappointed in the G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes on her seasonal return, but bounced back in grand style by landing the G2 German 1,000 Guineas Stakes at Dusseldorf last time. There’s no doubt that she needs more if she’s going to land a blow here, but she easily could have more to come.

PRETTY POLLYANNA (GB)

3 b f Oasis Dream – Unex Mona Lisa Michael Bell W J and T C O Gredley Very good two-year-old last season; Pretty Pollyanna built on her impressive victory in the G2 Duchess Of Cambridge at Newmarket to land the G1 Prix Morny at Deauville. I thought she ran a cracker on her return last time in the Irish 1,000 Guineas behind Hermosa and shaped as if the run was just needed in the last furlong. I think this track will suit her well, and if she’s taken a step forward from last time, she should run into a place.

QABALA (USA) 3 b f Scat Daddy – Entwine Roger Varian H H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes winner, English 1,000 Guineas third, I was quite disappointed with this filly last time at the Curragh, but she had a few excuses there so I’ll happily strike a line through that run. She raced off the pace, which was a huge negative on the day, before taking a bump and making no impression. Qabala was eased down in the closing stages and she ‘scoped abnormally post-race’, which clearly is her biggest excuse of all. I’m not sure if this race remains the plan for Qabala after last time, but despite having to reverse previous form with Hermosa, I think she has the talent of winning a race of this nature.

Verdict The well-bred Jubiloso may not have the experience to win a race of this nature at this point of in her career, but I think she has a very bright future ahead of her. I was really taken with her last time at Newbury and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her go very well, but I just think she might find one or two just too tough on her first attempt a Group 1. I’m sure the connections of Pretty Pollyanna would have been over the moon with her seasonal return in the Irish 1,000 Guineas last month and they’ll be more than hopeful she can go much closer in this contest. I don’t quite know what to make of the French raider Castle Lady, who despite landing the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches last time, possibly has quite a bit to find on paper. That said, she possibly didn’t enjoy the Heavy ground last time and should be more at home on a sounder surface, but she wouldn’t be for me. I had a bet on Qabala for this race prior to her disappointing effort in the Irish 1,000 Guineas last time. As stated earlier, she had a few excuses during that race and scoped abnormally after it. I think it’s safe to just strike a line through that run and judge her on her excellent third in the English 1,000 Guineas. I backed Qabala on the chance she would skip a hard race in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and head to this race a fresh horse, but I just think three relatively quick runs might just be too much for her, but I hope I’m wrong. I’m going to be relatively boring and side with HERMOSA, who I thought put up a brilliant performance last time when completing the Guineas double. I think if she’s given another positive ride from the front, she’ll be very hard to pass again. Main Edition and Magnetic Charm both need more if they’re going to land a blow, but I think the latter could have plenty more to come now upped in class Selection: HERMOSA (11/8)

HARDWICKE STAKES SATURDAY 22ND JUNE

COMMUNIQUE (IRE) 4 ch c Casamento – Midnight Line Mark Johnston Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum This son of Casamento defeated subsequent G1 Coronation Cup winner Defoe in the G2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket under a great ride from Silvestre De Sousa last month, and again ran another good race when fourth behind Defoe at Epsom. There’s no doubt he needs to find even more improvement if he’s going to land a real blow here, but he’s a tough sort.

CRYSTAL OCEAN (GB) 5 b h Sea The Stars – Crystal Star Sir Michael Stoute Sir Evelyn De Rothschild Crystal Ocean has been knocking on the door at the highest-level for the past two seasons, finishing second on three occasions. He’s taken the same route as he did last year and goes into Royal Ascot winning at both Sandown and Newbury in good-style. He won this race last season and will go unpenalized if he again runs in this contest, but he could also head for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes despite 1m4f looking more suitable.

DEFOE (IRE) 5 gr g Dalakhani – Dulkashe Roger Varian Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Defoe was beginning to become a little frustrating at the highest level and seemed to have his limitations exposed, but he pulled out a very impressive performance last time when defeating Kew Gardens in the G1 Coronation Cup. Things will undoubtedly be a lot tougher if he shows up here on quicker ground and a G1 penalty.

GHAIYYATH (IRE) 4 b c Dubawi – Nightime Charlie Appleby Godolphin I’ve always been fond of this son of Dubawi and I believe he’s a colt with a lot of talent. He only ran once last season as a three-year-old, but he created a very good impression when landing a G3 at Longchamp in good-style. I thought he was brilliant on his seasonal reappearance in the G2 Prix d’Harcourt, but he failed to fire on his G1 debut in the Prix Ganay behind Waldgeist. I expected more from him that day, but it’s still early days with him and I’ll be disappointed if there isn’t more to come from him at some point, especially over this trip.

KEW GARDENS (IRE)

4 b c Galileo – Chelsea Rose A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Kew Gardens was a good winner of the St Leger last season, but has yet to taste victory since then. He ran a good race in the G1 Coronation Cup last time at Epsom last time, but if anything, I thought he got outpaced by Defoe towards the finish. He’s had a couple of hard races already this season, which would have to a slight worry, but we know these Galileo’s are notably tough, so hopefully it won’t be too much of an issue. He has the option of running in the Ascot Gold Cup or the Hardwicke Stakes, and has to be entitled to great respect in either.

MASAR (IRE) 4 ch c New Approach – Khawlah Charlie Appleby Godolphin Masar hasn’t been seen since landing the Epsom Derby last season, which has worked out well with Roaring Lion, Dee Ex Bee and Kew Gardens all high-class performers in behind. I’m not sure if this race is the plan for this son of New Approach as he did miss his intended return in the Coronation Cup at Epsom for whatever reason, but this C&D should be fine for him. If he does show up here, you can be sure Charlie Appleby will have him fit enough to do himself justice.

MIRAGE DANCER (GB) 5 b h Frankel – Heat Haze Sir Michael Stoute K Abdullah Mirage Dancer is undoubtedly a very smart performer, but he needs to show he’s up to this level. He did finish a good second to Best Solution last season, who subsequently went on to win three G1 races including a winner over Defoe in Germany. A repeat of that effort puts him firmly in the mix, but he’s yet to taste success in three previous efforts at this track.

SALOUEN (IRE) 5 b h Canford Cliffs – Gali Gal Sylvester Kirk H Balasuriya Salouen was unfortunate not to land the G1 Coronation Cup last season when getting collard on the line by Cracksman. He finished a very good third in this season’s renewal of that contest behind Defoe and Kew Gardens despite not entirely having his own way in front. He had previously landed a Listed contest over this C&D in very good style. He does see, at his best with some cut in the ground.

SOUTHERN FRANCE (IRE) 4 b c Galileo – Alta Anna A P O’Brien Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Southern France didn’t make his debut until the end of April last season, but shortly developed into a very smart performer, finishing a good second behind stablemate and subsequent St Leger winner Kew Gardens in the Queen’s Vase at this meeting. This son of Galileo ran a career best last time when a narrow second to Stradivarius in the Yorkshire Cup and shaped as if he wouldn’t be too inconvenienced by a drop back to 1m4f. He also holds and entry in the Ascot Gold Cup.

Verdict I don’t think this race is as straight forward as the market suggests at this moment in time as a few of these could easily run in the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes over 1m2f. I’ll try and keep this summary as straightforward as possible. I personally don’t think Mirage Dancer is up to winning a race of this nature, despite being a G2, you’ve always needed a G1 horse to win this. I don’t think he has any improvement to come and I think he’s shown his limitations as a consistent Listed/G3 horse in recent seasons. I’m sure Ballydoyle will want to split Southern France and Kew Gardens up if possible, with one of the two likely to run in the Ascot Gold Cup. It’s pretty early days still in the season, but it isn’t ideal Kew Gardens heads in this meeting on the back of two hard races. Defoe got a deserved success at the highestlevel last time when putting up an impressive performance in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.

This will be a different type of test under a penalty for that success on likely quicker ground that he’s been kept away from during his career. Crystal Ocean is one of those that could head for the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, but you’d imagine connections will opt for this race before heading for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. He was a convincing winner of this race last season, but it wasn’t the strongest of races and he’ll face stiffer opposition here. I find it boring selecting these short-price horses at these big meetings, especially when there’s value to be had taking him on, so that’s what I plan to do. The Godolphin owned and Charlie Appleby trained GHAIYYATH gets my vote for this. I think this son of Dubawi has been crying out for a step up to 1m4f in his last two starts as all he does is gallop, which found him out last time in the G1 Prix Ganay as he just didn’t have that extra gear. He was known for being a bit head strong in his early days, but he seems to relax a lot better now and should be seen in a much better light taking a lead over this distance.

Obviously, he needs to improve on ratings if he’s going to threaten the likes of Crystal Ocean, but I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet.

Selection: GHAIYYATH (7/1)

DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES SATURDAY 22ND JUNE

CITY LIGHT (FR) 5 b h Siyouni – Light Saber S Wattel Ecurie Jl Bouchard/Madame I Corbani City Light was a short-head second in this race 12-months ago behind Merchant Navy, which was a great effort on ground conditions that were possibly quicker than his optimum. The son of Siyouni went on to run good race in the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest and wasn’t at all disgraced in the G1 Prix l’Abbaye over an inadequate 5f. He’s a model of consistency and if he keeps knocking on the door in these big sprint races, it’ll soon open for him.

DREAM OF DREAMS (IRE) 5 ch h Dream Ahead – Vasilia Sir Michael Stoute Saeed Suhail Dream Of Dreams had a good campaign last season for Sir Michael Stoute, but found it difficult to get his head in front. He’s looked a different horse in two outings this season winning on both occasions, including on his latest outing in a Listed contest at Windsor. He had three-time G1 winner The Tin Man in third that day, but he did receive 7lb and had the benefit on race fitness. He isn’t totally exposed as a sprinter, will enjoy a strong-pace to aim at, and any rain would increase his chance.

INNS OF COURT (IRE) 5 b h Invincible Spirit – Learned Friend A Fabre Godolphin Inns Of Court has always shaped like a horse that had a fair amount of natural ability, but he’s a horse that hasn’t been winning very often. He was campaigned mainly over 7f last season, but he wasn’t quite getting home so connections decided to campaign him over sprint trips this season, and they’ve been rewarded with two nice wins. I think a strongly run 6f could see this horse at his very best and he should enjoy a sounder surface to what he’s been running on in France.

INVINCIBLE ARMY (IRE) 4 b c Invincible Spirit – Rajeem James Tate Saeed Manana Invincible Army finds himself at the top of the betting for this contest on the back of two impressive wins this season. I thought he looked very good at Doncaster on his seasonal reappearance, before showing his versatility regards ground conditions last time in the G2 Duke Of York Stakes. I’m not sure they were the most competitive on races, but he can’t do any more than win and is undoubtedly going the right way. This will be a good test for him after flopping in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at this meeting last season.

KACHY (GB)

6 b h Kyllachy – Dubai Bounty Tom Dascombe David Lowe Kachy is a brilliant horse on the AW around a bend where his gate speed is seen to best effect, and we were able to witness that on a number of occasions during the winter/spring.

He was rather disappointing on his return to Turf last time in the G2 Temple Stakes at Haydock, a race he finished a good third in last season. His owner came up with plenty of excuses for that run, but the fact was he was just beaten by a far superior horse in Battaash.

This return to a stiff 6f isn’t certain to suit this speedster, but is he does run, he should ensure this is run at a good gallop.

LIMATO (IRE) 7 b g Tagula – Come April Henry Candy Paul G Jacobs Limato has been a grand servant for his connections with his biggest day in the sun coming over this distance when blowing away his rivals in the G1 July Cup in 2016. He had a pretty good season last year once returned to 6f/7f, winning four times before running an OK race on ground conditions a lot softer than ideal in the G1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.

I thought he ran a nice race on his return under a penalty last time at York and should come on from that. It’s unlikely all of his ability remains, but he’s still more than capable of running well in a race like this.

SANDS OF MALI (FR) 4 b c Panis – Kadiania Richard Fahey Phoenix Thoroughbred & Cool Silk P’Ship Sands Of Mali narrowly defeated Invincible Army at Haydock last season in the G2 Sandy Lane before running a very good race in the G1 Commonwealth Cup over this C&D to finish second. He lost his way slightly after that race, but bounced back when it mattered the most when defeating Harry Angel in the G1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes here in October. He was slightly disappointing on his return at Hamilton recently, and if he runs in this contest, he’ll need to take a big step forward. He clearly handles a sound surface, but there’s no doubt any rain would play into his hands.

THE TIN MAN (GB)

7 b g Equiano – Persario James Fanshawe Fred Archer Racing – Ormonde The Tin Man is a dual G1 winner over this C&D and there’s no doubt he’s a horse that rises to the big occasion. The son of Equiano had another fantastic campaign in 2018, adding another G1 win to his growing tally when powering through the mud to win the Sprint Cup at Haydock. I thought he ran a nice race on his return last month at Windsor, but shaped as if he was in need of the run conceding weight to some smart rivals, including Dream Of Dreams. He’s not getting any younger, but he’ll come on plenty for his return and should run another big race in this contest, which he won in 2017.

Verdict Sands Of Mali seems to go well here at Ascot, running well twice over this C&D last season on Good To Firm and Soft ground, but there’s no doubt any rain would be a huge bounce for him. He shapes like the type that could potentially be an even better horse as a four-yearold in time, but he needs to improve dramatically on his seasonal return to figure in this.

There’s no doubt that Invincible Army is going the right way and probably does deserve his place as the ante-post favourite for this prize. That said, despite looking impressive in both wins this season, I don’t think they were the most competitive of races and he’ll need a lot more if he’s going to win this, but like I said, he’s going the right way. Another going the right way currently is the Sir Michael Stoute trained Dream Of Dreams, who is 2 from 2 this season. It was a good-looking opportunity last time at Windsor to beat The Tin Man, who was having his prep-race for this, and he did so in good-style. This will possibly be a step too far, but he’s with the right trainer that will get the best out of him. Despite being a five-yearold and looking one of the most exposed in the field, I think Inns Of Court is the ‘Dark Horse’ in the line-up here. He’s been highly tried during his career, mainly over longer trips than this. He’s still relatively lightly raced over sprint trips, and there’s great hope this stiff 6f with a strong gallop to aim at will see him at his very best.

Sometimes in horse racing the heart can sometimes overrule the head, and that’s possibly what is happening here, but I’m hopeful my old friend THE TIN MAN can run a big race in this. Like I mentioned previously, the son of Equiano is a dual G1 winner over this C&D and he really does seem to come alive at the venue. He’s clearly not getting any younger, but I feel with these sprinters, age really is just a number as more often than not they come back looking for more year on year. The Tin Man is still only a seven-year-old, which isn’t exactly close to the twilight age of a 6f sprinters career, and he only ran 22 times during his career, so he’s pretty lightly raced for his age. I’ve seen this horse race many times in the flesh and I know what he looks like when he needs the run, and what he looks like in top physical condition. I wasn’t at Windsor when he ran last time, but from HD pictures on Sky Sports Racing, I could see that he was carrying plenty of condition and would improve massively for the run. I thought he actually ran a nice race conceding 7lb and race fitness to Dream Of Dreams, who ran well in a couple of G2/G3 races last season. I seem to say the same thing when talking about my beloved The Tin Man, and like I said, maybe it’s my heart ruling my head, but I’ve been a fan of his from the very beginning and would love to see him land this race again for James Fanshawe. City Of Light finished in front of The Tin Man when finishing second in this contest last season. He’s a very consistent performer that really does deserve his day in the sunshine at the highest level. He looks a solid each-way player again this season and he won’t mind which way the ground goes.

Selection: THE TIN MAN (12/1)