2.30 The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)

Royal Ascot kicks off with three Group One contests and the opener features the top rated horse in training, Gladiatorus.

There are, however, two big question marks hanging over him. Firstly he has moved to Godolphin and the stable is undoubtedly going through a lean spell at the moment. Secondly he is being ridden by Ahmed Ajtebi rather than Frankie Dettori. No no disrespect to Ajtebi, he has won on him in Dubai, but the hustle and bustle of an Ascot contest is somewhat different and experience is important.

Main Aim has been supplemented but this represents an unknown test of stamina, although his runs so far suggest he should get the trip.

Cesare loves Ascot and was unlucky in this race last year. He runs well fresh and will at least get a place.

Aqlaam was in excellent form last year, however he ran an absolute stinker on his seasonal bow but that was on soft going. Back on better ground and hoping he seasonal debut was a one off he could be in with a shout.

3.05 The King’s Stand Stakes (Group 1)

The first big sprint of the meeting and part of the global sprint challenge means we have an international field.

Indeed a home trained runner has only won the contest once in the last six years. Last years shock winner was the Spanish trained Equiano.

There may mot be as many overseas contenders this year, however where there is a lack of depth there is no shortage of quality.

From the US we have Cannonball, whose only win is over a mile and for whom 5f may well be too sharp, this is also a step up in class.

The South African challenger, Mythical Flight, won eight of his first ten starts but is now seemingly running beyond his ability, although the drop back to five furlongs may be to his advantage.

The challenge from Down Under is more interesting, Scenic Blast does know how to win and is a very classy contender who comes late and still looks to be on the upgrade.

For the home side Fleeting Spirit was fourth in the Breeders Cup Turf last year and third in this contest in 2008.

Borderlescott would be a popular winner, winner of the Nunthorpe last year, he has had a couple of runs this season to freshen him up and he could again show his full potential.

3.45 The St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1)

Mastercraftsman won the Irish 2000 Guineas, although that was in testing conditions and he will be plenty short enough in the betting.
Delegator was runner-up in the Newmarket Guineas but he did not enjoy the soft ground at The Curragh. Back on better going he must be in with a squeak in this contest.

Soul City is another progressive sort who had a great juvenile season. Not disgraced when third in the Irish Guineas, he is another who will be suited by a return to better going and will be good for at least a place finish.   

4.20 The Coventry Stakes (Group 2)

A tricky two-year-old contest where all the runners are unexposed and open to improvement.

Walkingothemoon won on debut, on soft ground, but has struggled on better going since. Little to suggest he will get his ground in this contest.

Treadwell was impressive on debut over five furlongs and badly drawn. Doing his best work at the end, so step up to six should not be a worry. Needs to step up in this contest. The same can be said of Raine’s Cross.

Red Jazz has done nothing wrong in two appearances, including a course win, another who looks as though he will appreciate the step up to six and one for the shortlist.

No Hubris made a very eye catching debut at York and looks to be an interesting prospect. Bound to come on for the run and will be in the shake up. A similar comment also applies to Canford Cliffs who was just as impressive on debut at Newbury.

Air Chief Marshall from the O’Brien yard did not seem to like the drop back to 5f last time out and will be happier over today’s six. The stable also have a good record in this contest. Being drawn against the stand rail should not be a disadvantage.

In conclusion a nightmare race to try and find the winner, with so many potential improvers. Not an ideal betting proposition but certainly a race to watch and savour.

4.55 The Ascot Stakes (Handicap)

A marathon 2½ mile contest in which national hunt trainers have an excellent record.

Baddam won this race in 2006, but is not the force he once was. Third in the Sagaro Stakes over two miles here in April, he won a hurdle race over 3m last month. Not without a chance but others preferred.

Rajeh is an interesting contender, who has shown some good ability in defeat. A winner over 1¾ miles, if he can handle the step up in distance then in with a chance. The same comment can also be applied to Wollfall Treasure.

Sesenta is a decent filly, although the main concern for her will be the ground, she seems to prefer more cut.

Liberate was third in this contest last year and comes here fresh from a spin over hurdles at Haydock. There is no reason why he should not be involved in the shake-up again.

Ermine Sea was third over two miles here in May and lookes as though the extra half mile would not be an inconvenience. Has been given a good chance by the handicapper.

Judgethemoment won the race in which Ermine Sea came third and only three pounds higher in the weights today. Looks progressive.

Always Bold from Donald McCain’s yard performs just as well on the flat as over hurdles. Formerly trained by Mark Johnston, he is in fine fettle and another who could be involved in the shake up.             

Kayf Aramis, from the Grand National winning trainer Venetia Williams yard, is one of those horses who owes connections nothing. He destroyed the opposition over 2¼ miles at York in May but seemed to find 2m on the sharp side next time out at Goodwood next time out.

Cloph comes from across the Irish Sea and is easily the best jump horse in the field. He won a 2m contest at Leopardstown last month. The only concern I would have is the ground may be too lively for him.

Missoula won this contest last year, however his form this season has been abysmal.   

Keens Day has won some decent long distance handicaps on the all weather, however his for on turf is more in and out. Having said that his trainer Mark Johnston knows the time of day and he rates this grey as one of his best chances at the meeting.

This is a very strong renewal of this contest and it is very hard to take too strong a view. Any one of half a dozen could easily win the contest. If pressed I will side with Kayf Aramis, if only for his turf form this season.

5.30 The Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)

After the marathon Ascot Stakes it is back to 5f for our finale and 22 juveniles.

Most of the runners are open to improvement, however despite the large field, on the evidence so far this can be narrowed down to three serious contenders.

Richard Hannon knows the time of day when it comes to juveniles. He runs two in this contest. Desert Auction is the more experienced and was absolutely mullered at Epsom last time out and that raised a concern about his ability to cope with the hurly burly of big field races. He also looks as though he would be happier over six furlongs.

Angel’s Pursuit, on the other hand, has only raced once. A very impressive winner at Newmarket, despite running green, he is sure to come on for the run.

Another trainer you ignore at your peril in the big sprint contests is Dandy Nicholls. Normally he comes mob handed, however today he has just the one runner, Mister Manannan. He showed devastating speed at Pontefract last time out, clearly improving on his debut run. This is a step up in class but a contender you ignore at your peril.

Mark Johnston’s juveniles tend to improve with a run and The Hermitage is no exception. An impressive winner at Newmarket after a decent debut performance at Beverley. She only finished second in a big field Listed contest at Beverley last time out, however that was from a terrible draw.