SATURDAY JUNE 27th:

Despite the frantic urgings of those with vested interests in the gambling side of the racing game, not every Saturday appeals as a betting day. Doubts over the ground, some events that have attracted the dodgy brigade and an Irish Derby with a long odds-on favourite are among the components that comprise a lukewarm day for the players.

NEWCASTLE: Northumberland Plate: This may not be so hard to solve as the numbers suggest, but to a degree the Lord giveth with one hand and taketh away with the other.

Chester Cup form is represented by the winner Suegioo and the runner-up Angel Gabrial. Whilst they have chances, there is the suspicion that they may be vulnerable to a couple of contenders that have yet to play their aces this year. Chief of these could easily be a maturing Van Percy, who in winning at Newmarket last time demonstrated this trip may bring out further improvement. By Sir Percy, there is every chance he will progress further and he is taken to confirm form with Tropical Beat, who, taking his excellent rider’s valuable claim into account, Van Percy meets on only 3lbs worse terms. His stable’s chosen representative here over four-day accepter Whiplash Willie, a big run is envisaged; the only downside being his wide draw (Tropical Beat is similarly disadvantaged), which could be his undoing if the race does not unfold in his favour.

Several line up with the look of horses that have been laid out for this – notably the two Irish challengers, Willie Mullins’s hard-to-evaluate Lucky Bridle, and Dark Crusader from the always dangerous Tony Martin yard. She ended last season in a listed race at Ascot after winning the Melrose Handicap at York when Van Percy was behind. Not seriously campaigned since (been running over inadequate trips), Dark Crusader returns with conditions more to her liking, providing she is not inconvenienced by the likely firm ground.

In the belief the ground will ride quick and that Oisin Murphy has demonstrated on numerous occasions this year what a good tactical brain he possesses, a chance is taken with Van Percy – who, although far from a good thing, is regarded as the best opportunity on the day. Dark Crusader could emerge as the biggest threat.
NEWMARKET: 3.30: As things stand, fast ground is against most of the field in this Group 3. Unless overnight rain or morning showers alter the complexion of the Newmarket track, Penitent, Top Notch Tonto, Garswood, Gregorian, and to a lesser extent Eton Forever would all be better served by ease in the ground. This leaves us with the unreliable Tawhid, Highland Colori – who has flashes of firm ground form – and Indignant, who will be suited by a fast surface, but, progressive though she appears, has something to find. One for Confused Dot Com!

WINDSOR: 3.40: On the assumptions that the penalty is likely to beat Ocean Tempest, that speedily-bred Free Wheeling looks more a seven furlong horse and Custom Cut – who has not won since April of last year and seems better on an easy surface – are opposable, this may concern Short Squeeze, who had the worst of the draw in the Hunt Cup, and Baltic Knight, who returns to his optimum trip.

The Irish Derby presents an obvious opportunity for Australia to double-up on his Epsom success. Only the advent of rain would detract from his chance, in which case, now we know he stays the trip, Kingston Hill could emerge as a serious threat.

Royal Ascot – Saturday

2.30: Chesham Stakes: One way or another the boys from Ballydoyle have a grasp on this. Dick Whittington clearly holds a solid form chance on the strength of his running with Coventry runner-up Capella Sansevero and looks a decent prospect. The added fact that they have bought into the American colt Cordero further underlines their possible hold here and the market should be a reliable guide. In a race likely to be dominated by Irish interests, Toscanini is seen as the third runner.
3.05: Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes: Although very likeable and still on the upgrade, Arab Spring may struggle from this revised mark (8lbs higher than his latest win at York) which means he is set to carry 9st 10lbs. Actually, in a compressed handicap it is not quite as bad as it appears at first glance, but this is still a stiff task. Confidence in Hamelin emanates from Lady Cecil’s yard and having shaped well here last month, as another improving contender that receives 8lbs from Arab Spring, he is taken to come out on top.

3.45: Hardwicke Stakes: Back on decent ground and up to a more suitable trip, Telescope gets his chance to shine in what is a sub-standard Group 2. The main danger is probably his stable companion Hillstar, but this is Telescope’s race to lose.

4.25: Diamond Jubliee Stakes: Switched to sprinting, Aljamaaheer was unfortunate at Newmarket but still showed plenty of acceleration to shut down Hamza in the Abernant Stakes. Ridden more prominently now he will be hard to beat and carries a good deal of stable confidence. Dangers abound – most of them, like Aljamaaheer and likely favourite Slade Power, appear to have been unlucky with the draw (based on results seen so far), meaning the majority of the action could be down the centre of the track. Astaire was superb in defeat against older horses at York and crucially is stripped of his Group 1 penalty for this race. After his excellent second to Maarek that day, he served notice he would be a major force at sprint level this season. As his namesake did all those years ago in grainy black-and-white, he can raise the Top Hats.
5.00: Wokingham Stakes: This is a fiercely competitive handicap and maybe it would be the ideal time to take a punting break.

5.35: Queen Alexandra Stakes: Over the extreme trip of 2m 6f (less a few yards), this is no walk in the park and obviously the ability to stay this far is of paramount importance. On the premise that Whiplash Willie has a better chance of lasting than Tiger Cliff – whom he has already beaten this season when third to Brown Panther at Sandown – he is given a tentative vote. A progressive three-year-old in 2011, injury meant he was absent until May of this year when he returned in style with a win at Salisbury. He seems to have escaped the bounce factor as he followed that win up with his excellent third in the Henry II Stakes later in the month. Really quick ground could be a worry though for a horse that has encountered problems in the past.

Tiger Cliff had the turn of foot to win an Ebor and there has always been a slight doubt about him seeing out farther than two miles. Others that may play a part in this last-man-standing contest include Royal Irish Hussar and Pique Sous.

Royal Ascot – Friday

2.30: Albany Stakes:
Following no more than an average start at Newmarket, Bazzana was a convincing winner at Windsor, suggesting she had improved considerably and the booking of Ryan Moore – who could have ridden several others in preference here – looks significant. She may come out best of a bunch of unexposed fillies.

Bitter Lake took the eye on debut but, although a visually appealing winner, the form from that race has taken a couple of knocks. Her stable companion, Elite Gardens was another to make a pleasing debut when beating colts at Newmarket in May; again that form has yet to be endorsed.

There are no doubts about the merits of Patience Alexander’s York form – in beating Queen Mary runner-up Tiggy Wiggy, she lines up here with top class credentials. However, a sixth furlong could alter today’s outcome.

Appleberry was noted staying on stoutly that day and it is not impossible this trip may enable her to overturn that form. She could surprise at a price.

American raider Sunset Glow has to be respected in what looks a hard opening event.

An adventurous and small each-way bet on Appleberry could be the answer.

3.05: Wolferton Handicap:
As you would expect this is a hot handicap; the likelihood being that quality will rise to the fore. With top weight, Just The Judge has plenty on her plate against some tough opponents. Contributer does not look particularly well-treated but his class means he could still be a contender despite an indifferent draw. Soft ground was against him last time at Sandown and that run should not be taken literally.

Dick Doughtywylie has been given a chance at the weights. A tricky customer on occasion that seems to reserve his best for the Polytrack these days, he could still be in the mix.

After an eye-catching run at Newmarket, Bold Sniper has the look of a horse laid out for this and is another with a definite chance.

Baltic Knight completes the short list and is another that looks to have been groomed with this in mind. If he lasts out a truly run ten furlongs there is every reason to suppose, following a decent run last time at Goodwood last time he will go close.

In a tight race, Contributer and Baltic Knight are suggested as the two to be with against the field.

3.45: King Edward VII Stakes:
Saddled with a 3lbs penalty, Italian Derby winner, the unbeaten Dylan Mouth demands respect. The same applies to lightly-raced Adelaide – who will be out to maintain the Antipodean theme for his stable. With one-time Derby fancy Snow Sky and Derby sixth Western Hymn (runners from Epsom have a poor record in this) also in the field, this is a hard race to evaluate.

4.25: Coronation Stakes:
My Titania makes her belated appearance now following a bad scope prior to the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and unsuitably soft ground before the Irish equivalent.
A top class two-year-old (she beat Oaks runner-up Tarfasha at the Curragh in September) that her stable has always hailed from the rooftops, she now gets her chance to prove her worth in Group 1 company.

1000 Guineas form from both sides of the Irish Sea is represented by Lightning Thunder, whilst Lesstalk In Paris – a disappointment in the French Guineas but a good second in the Marcel Boussac on Arc Day – flies the Tricolore.

It is hard to be enthusiastic over either Rizeena or Lucky Kristale on what we have seen this term. Tapestry checked out very quickly at Newmarket and although she looks capable of progressing to better things, Radiator does not convince that she is as yet up to Group 1 standard.

The word for My Titania makes her the selection.
5.00: Queen’s Vase: On this ground, Marzocco and Century appeal as the two most likely to emerge on top. Marzocco narrowly missed out on two Classic trials (Epsom and Goodwood), whilst Century has not had his favoured surface since winning first time as a juvenile at the Curragh. There were definite signs of better to come at Chester however in the Dee Stakes when a staying on fourth to Kingfisher and this looks like an ideal target race for this son of Montjeu.

Hartnell looks like an old-fashioned stayer but, being by Authorized, this faster surface threatens to count against him.
5.35: Buckingham Palace Stakes: We conclude with a fiercely competitive handicap. Watchable has a good form chance but as a son of Pivotal with all his best form on soft, his chance seems compromised by the likely surface. Russian Realm looks a safer option but confidence is tempered by the complexity of the race.

Royal Ascot – Thursday
2.30: Norfolk Stakes: It has all been a bit of a game so far for The Great War who trotted up over this trip in his two outings to date. The form is not top level but the manner of his wins suggests he can go on to better things. He gets his chance here. By the American stallion War Front – bestowed with considerable faith by the Ballydoyle team – The Great War looks ready to enter the battle zone.
Mukhmal is a likeable and willing sort whose Chester form looks solid. He and Woodcote winner Baitha Alga line up with similar credentials but the O’Brien representative is expected to confirm considerable promise so far shown.
3.05: Tercentenary Stakes: Cloudscape’s win at Newmarket from Windshear and Oak’s third Volume makes good reading – the problem is he has failed to build on it on two subsequent runs. He may also be better with give underfoot.
Postponed is another that ran with a great deal of promise at Newmarket first time, but failed to step forward next time.
The decision to step Barley Mow up in trip appears to have paid dividends and he is another that at present dangles on the edge of Group class. Again, he may appreciate a drop of rain.
The progressive Cannock Chase looks the least complicated selection. A line through Windshear puts him in the mix here and as he appears to be steaming forward at a rate of knots he may provide the answer to a cracking contest.
3.45: Ribblesdale Stakes: Inchila and Vazira split the betting here having both performed creditably in Group 1 company last time. However those coming here from the Oaks do not have the best of records in this; it is often won by a filly waiting to step out of the shadows.

The two most likely to fit that category are Wonderstruck and Bright Approach. Wonderstruck created a favourable impression at Newmarket last time in a maiden but takes a major hike in class here. Almost certainly we have not seen the best of Bright Approach who won first time at Newbury when only having done one piece of work and was found to be in season after finishing third in the Cheshire Oaks. With her pedigree there are no stamina doubts and she gets her chance to hog the spotlight.
4.25: Gold Cup: Aidan O’Brien has a great knack of getting horses to relax, something that is essential when it comes to stepping into the unknown which is the two-and-a-half miles in a Gold Cup. St Leger winner Leading Light has been earmarked for this race for some time and a winner of the Queen’s Vase here last year, his class threatens to prove crucial.

Fellow irish challengers Royal Diamond and Pale Mimosa are entitled to improve on their debut runs of the season behind Leading Light, but still have it to do to beat him.
The ground is against Tac De Boistron and Brown Panther, both of whom may struggle in any case against a rival that was thought good enough to run in last year’s Arc.
It is asking a lot for Estimate to win this on her first run of the season and against stronger opposition than she encountered last year.

500: Britannia Stakes: Idea could be the answer to this tricky handicap, although the handicapper reacted sharply to his latest win (achieved after showing definite promise at York) when slapping on an extra 10lbs. Even so he appeals as another from this powerful stable that is likely to continue progressing.

5.25: King George V Stakes: Time may show the improving Windshear was set a mammoth task last time against Cannock Chase, who is given every chance in the Group 3 earlier on the card. From a handicapping point of view he is not out of this but his wide draw is a worry. Elite Army is closely weighted with Windshear and a latest win at Newmarket, when he won despite taking a fierce hold early, confirms he is moving in the right direction. However, by Authorized this ground may be on the fast side for this heavy-topped colt. Wrangler is another that may benefit from rain.

Although a maiden (this is not the best place for horses to open their accounts), after four runs in good company and accorded a chance by the handicapper (well treated with Windshear on two-year-old form for example), with a good draw and on ground that should not pose a problem, a chance is taken with Venezia.

ROYAL ASCOT – WEDNESDAY

With the running of the Hunt Cup and three races confined to fillies, traditionally this can be the hardest day of the meeting. This year is no exception…
2.30: Jersey Stakes: This can often be one of the betting races of the meeting – this year confidence is tempered. After finishing fourth to Karakontie in the French Guineas, Muwaary is the sort this race is tailor made for; however, although there is no doubting his latent ability, he has a tendency to pull hard in the early stages, which threatens to cost him dear. Even though he took a tug early at Longchamp, he was only beaten less than two lengths. If his energy can be harnessed, he ought to be too good.

Progressive types are spearheaded by That Is The Spirit, Musical Comedy and Redbrook. Aeolus and possibly Big Time are others with claims in a race that a settled Muwaary ought to win, but that he may throw away if he gets lit up beforehand.

3.05: Queen Mary Stakes: Again, with the main protagonists spanning America, England and Ireland, this is a hard puzzle to decipher. What we do know is that Spanish Pipedream [USA] has speed to burn judged on her debut at Keeneland. Tiggy Wiggy [England] lost her unbeaten record in a listed event at York but recovered the winning thread last time when beating colts in the National Stakes at Sandown. Anthem Alexander [Ireland] impressively gobbled up a Tipperary maiden without seemingly turning a hair and could be anything. These look the main contenders, but it would not be the biggest surprise if the pack contained a joker or two.

3.45: Prince Of Wales’s Stakes: Probable firm ground would not inconvenience Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Magician. He can make Treve pull out all the stops. In contrast to Magician, the Arc winner’s best form has all been on easy ground. Looking at her pedigree [Motivator out of an Anabaa mare] this is understandable and the likely surface may bring these two close together.

Second to Al Kazeem in this last year, it may be a similar story for Mukhadram again, whilst fillies Dank and The Fugue face stiff but not impossible tasks.
Magician has a solid chance of overturning Treve, who may struggle this season to live up to what on the face of it, was a blistering performance in last year’s Arc de Triomphe.

4.25: Duke Of Cambridge Stakes: The presence of Sky Lantern and Integral – who fought out the finish of last year’s Sun Chariot at Newmarket – means the standard is set firmly at Group 1 level. Esoterique’s Dahlia win at Newmarket this year [beating Integral] means she is entitled to enter the equation. Outside of the obvious, Purr Along is an improving sort who looked impressive in victory at the Curragh last time. No stranger to Group 1 company, she could be in the peak of condition now and poised to run a major race.

5.00: Royal Hunt Cup: Abseil won at Epsom last time like a horse ready for a step up in class. Time may show he is up to listed or even Group standard; even so, he is still immature. Clearly he has a favourite’s chance, but red hot handicaps such as this – chock-full of dangers – often prove to be graveyards for such candidates.
5.35: Sandringham Handicap: An ultra tough handicap for fillies rounds off the second day. Only the informed or the optimistic will be looking to play here.

Royal Ascot – Tuesday

2.30: Queen Anne Stakes: As always we are presented with a hot renewal of a curtain-raiser to this historic and prestigious meeting. And once again the ground may play its part in the outcome. Whereas Toronado and Anodin seem at their best with a little give underfoot, Verrazano thrives when it is lightning fast. These are seen as the three dominant runners; as it stands – on an easy surface – the supplemented Anodin looks the value on the strength of his second to Cirrus des Aigles in the Prix d’Ispahan at the end of May, when Lockinge winner Olympic Glory was back in fourth. However, that represented a step up on anything hitherto achieved and may flatter Goldikova’s full brother to an extent.
Toronado – a winner first time out as a juvenile and again at three – is reportedly in great shape and carries maximum confidence from his powerful stable. His price does reflect that and although a serious player on his best form, he seems plenty short enough considering he put in two poor performances out of five last season. His run when fourth in the Guineas was never explained away and his appearance in the Juddmonte was no more than that. A hard puller in the early stages, he was beaten after a furlong. Clearly his defeat of Bright Approach and Declaration Of War in the Sussex represented the other side of the form coin. He may roar back to his best and beyond, in which case those availing themselves of tight odds will surely be crowing.

A dual Grade 1 winner in America before being sold to the Ballydoyle boys, Verrazano shaped with a great deal of promise on his first run in this country when a never-nearer third to Olympic Glory in the Lockinge. Not asked a serious question that day, he has the look of a quality performer capable of making his mark at this level. Apparently he has thrived since Newbury and promises to line up a different proposition now. In fairness he will need to be to repel the strong challenges that Toronado and Anodin threaten to provide and it could be prudent to wait until he is guaranteed to encounter his favoured surface later in the season.
Whilst prepared to see Toronado bolt up, Anodin is seen as real value at his current double-figure price.
3.05: Coventry Stakes: Irish form could be the key here. Many will turn to the listed race at Naas won by Kool Kompany, where a less vigorously-ridden War Envoy was a length away in third. It is entirely possible the placings will be reversed now; it is also possible that visually impressive Curragh listed winner Capella Sansevero will beat them both, as a line through Toscanini [split Kool Kompany and War Envoy at Naas] suggests he can. He is the selection in a race that can be a rough-and-tumble affair and is often claimed by those with experience.

Dual winner Adaay represents the best of the home team.
3.45: King’s Stand Stakes: Last year’s one-two Sole Power and Shea Shea re-oppose but this is far from a two-horse affair. With the ground and trip ideal for Shea Shea it is likely he will avenge what many saw as an unlucky defeat, but his newly acquired habit of starting slowly and getting adrift early threatens to make matters tough in such company.

Likely favourite Hot Streak and Guerre – representing the younger generation – are not without chances; but the much improved Steps, who was desperately unlucky at Epsom in the Dash, has to enter calculations. In the form of his life and with the trip and a breakneck pace in his favour, he looks poised to run well and can spring a surprise at big odds.

4.25: St James’s Palace Stakes: This looks like a two-horse war between Kingman and Guineas winner Night Of Thunder. After such an imperious performance in the Greenham, it was a surprise to most onlookers that Night Of Thunder was able to reverse places at Newmarket. Kingman – impressive since at the Curragh in the Irish equivalent – is taken to avenge that defeat in what we all know by now was a strong renewal of the Newmarket Classic.
5.00: Ascot Stakes: This is summed up by one word: Hard. Okay, Perfect Heart, Lieutenant Miller and Ballinderry Boy have leading chances but carry no secrets. It is not difficult to construct cases for many in opposition, chiefly for Villa Royale who is thriving at present and seems well suited by a step up in trip and should handle this sort of distance.

5.35: Windsor Castle Stakes: All speed and equipped with first-time blinkers, Hootenanny, a winner in Keenland, if able to flash out and run straight and true up the stands’ rail, can take this for our American friends. A decent showing from Adaay in the Coventry would obviously bolster the chances of Mind Of Madness, who looks as if this return to five furlongs will suit.

SATURDAY JUNE 14th:
A strong summer of sport awaits – obviously events in Brazil dominate Saturday and next week is Royal Ascot. The hand of apathy hovers over Saturday’s meetings; York’s card is tricky and serious bets look thin on the ground elsewhere. Even so …
SANDOWN:

1.50: After a luckless run at Goodwood on his latest outing, now on better ground, although no good thing, Gothic holds a favourite’s chance in the opening handicap.
2.55: After an impressive win in a handicap last time at York the handicapper has raised G Force by a whopping 16lbs – effectively stating the son of Tamayuz was worthy of a five-length victory that day. Allowing for the fact he did win by half that distance, a rise that on the face of it may seem unreasonable is justified. Providing the draw can be overcome (G Force pounced late last time which would be in his favour here), he looks poised to make the transition into deeper company. An equally poorly drawn Perfect Blessings is seen as the main danger. For future purposes, it may pay to keep a close eye on Merletta, who could be capable of winning something akin to this when sharpened up and when her stable are in better form.

4.40: Obsidian looked a sure fire future winner on his Newbury debut behind Connecticut in what could be the pivotal race from a form perspective. This could be his day; however, less than two lengths behind him in seventh place and denied a clear run, New Story is open to equal improvement and is worth a saver at least.
MUSSELBURGH: 3.35: Body And Soul must have every chance of plundering Scotland’s big prize after a narrow defeat last time at York. The ground should be ideal, but the jury is out about a fast five.

FRIDAY JUNE 13TH:
There is plenty of racing scheduled for Friday, with Sandown, Goodwood and York supplying the major meetings.
York’s three-year-old handicap at 2.30 is the most interesting from a betting perspective as CONNECTICUT looks reasonably treated from a mark of 84 in this his first venture in a handicap. Admittedly the form from the maiden he won at Newbury looks shaky, but his debut run at Newmarket looks solid, meaning the handicapper had to make a decision as to which run to home in on. Possibly he has been uncommonly lenient. It could also be significant Connecticut’s shrewd handler has decided to take up this engagement in a handicap rather than try his luck at Royal Ascot in the King Edward.

A line through Venzia means there should be little to choose between Connecticut and Tabreek but, in the belief that improvement should be forthcoming from Connecticut, he is expected to exploit his mark.

SATURDAY JUNE 7TH – EPSOM – DERBY DAY
All the signs are that this year we are presented with a vintage renewal of the Derby. It is not always so. Often Derby Day can be just another glittering occasion on a Saturday afternoon. The race itself is not always the defining factor. The accolades, the big money and the keys to the kingdom are gained at the breeding barns long after the roar of the crowds has subsided.

Since the turn of the century there have been fourteen renewals. Of these six have resulted in winners of the highest quality – five of them incidentally were trained in Ireland. Sindaar was a good winner in 2000. Galileo was outstanding in 2001; his presence is still felt in the shape on his progeny today. High Chaparral was a better racehorse than he was stallion, a remark that applies to the only English-trained winner in this truncated roll call, Authorized in 2007. New Approach and Sea The Stars were on the verge of greatness in their respective years – 2008 and 2009.

So it has been five years since a winner truly fulfilled his destiny. Possibly Galileo’s son, Australia, will propel himself to further glory. Certainly his third in an outstanding – if somewhat perplexing Guineas in terms of its actual result – represents the best form on show. Since then his work has confirmed he stands on the brink; all he has to do now is prove it on the track. Only a trick of fate in the form of a rainstorm beforehand is seen as a negative. On good ground, Australia has just about everything in his favour. After a lack-lustre build-up Kingston Hill was only four lengths behind him at Newmarket and any rain will be seen as a bonus. Although looking as if he will benefit from a step up in trip, being by Mastercraftsman, twelve furlongs may test his stamina limitations to the full. Such a statement as regards the trip applies to Dante second Arod. Looking burly at the Curragh for his reappearance, having been impeded in running and now 3lbs better off with the two rivals that beat him, Geoffrey Chaucer is expected to overturn form with Fascinating Rock and Ebanoran. It is a measure of the strength of depth in the field that Chester Vase winner Orchestra is the third-string from Ballydoyle. In a normal year Western Hymn and True Story (particularly after The Grey Gatsby boosted the Dante form in the French Derby on Sunday) would be serious candidates, but this does not look a normal year. Unless the weather scuppers his chances, Australia should prevail.

The rest of the card:
1.35: As always this is a tricky handicap chock-full of potential improvers. Chief of these could be Black Shadow, who will need some juice in the ground to show his best. Despite defeat in the Lingfield Derby Trial, Double Bluff should not be written-off back in a handicap.

2.05: A spin round Chester should see Ballymore Castle in good stead for what is a corkscrew experience for a juvenile. He looked surly that day and Ryan Moore had to reach deep into the genie’s bottle of tricks to win. In what is a winnable event, this is Ballymore Castle’s race to lose.

2.40: There are reasons to oppose the monster that is Cirrus Des Aigles here as this is undoubtedly not his best trip. Last year’s Oaks winner Talent has to be a contender as is the improved mare Ambivalent. Add Empoli (if he consents to start) and last year’s Grand Prix du Paris winner Flintshire and there are enough contenders to make life difficult for the highest rated runner, who does not have his ideal conditions here.

3.15: The sudden death that is the Dash poses its usual knotty problems. Pace will be crucial from the outset and Tangerine Trees may just turn back the clock with conditions in his favour. New Fforest starts the year from a decent enough mark and should also go well.

4.00: The Derby.

4.50: Stomachion will be popular to follow-up on last week’s Newmarket success. However, it may pay to side with Miss Marjurie, who, taking his excellent rider’s claim into account, will run unpenalised for a good second to Mighty Yar at Newmarket last month.

5.25: A hard day culminates with another tricky handicap. It is entirely possible that one-time useful juvenile Lewisham is well-treated now, particularly after a good run at Thirsk three weeks ago. In good hands and from a decent draw, he may dig a few of us out of a deep pit.

EPSOM FRIDAY JUNE 6th – OAKS DAY:
1.35: Appropriately Ladies’ Day opens with a Group 3 for fillies. Won last year by Thistle Bird, she must have a good chance of following up after a satisfactory run at York three weeks ago on her return to action. To do so she will need to reverse form with Odeliz on the same terms and with Mango Diva with a 3lbs weight pull. The small penalty incurred by Mango Diva may prevent her from winning this; but we are dealing with fillies that can make inordinate improvement. The picture is further complicated by the inclusion of Just The Judge, who would have strong claims if able to reproduce the Group 1 form she displayed at this time last year.

2.10: What could be an unforgettable weekend for Andrea Atzeni – who rides Kingston Hill in the Derby – begins here with another plum ride in Farraaj. Handicap company represents a drop in grade for Farraaj, who shaped well from the same mark on his latest outing in a similarly competitive Newmarket race on his latest outing. He threatens to be on the premises once again. Course specialist Resurge will find this line-up much tougher than the one he faced when winning last year. Tres Coronas, Aussie Reigns and Soviet Rock are respected but not unduly feared, although Air Pilot could be well-treated and looks dangerous. Second to the vastly improving Clever Cookie at Doncaster before just lasting at Thirsk over 1m 4f (a trip that appeared to test his stamina), a mark of 83 offers him with a real chance and he is seen as the prime stumbling block to Faaraaj in a race where it may pay to take two against the field.

2.45: Only seven turn up for this Group 3. With the exception of the penalised duo Highland Knight and Penitent (who will need to buck trends to beat better rivals carrying 3lbs extra) and Edu Querido, the bottom four on the race card make this a tightly-knit contest. Last year’s winner Gregorian, who was subsequently highly-tried and not disgraced in Group 1s, will be hard to beat if back to his best. French Navy beat the likeable and improving Windhoek last time, but heavy ground may have been instrumental in that success and today’s surface threatens to overturn the form. Having successfully conceded 3lbs to French Navy at Ascot last time, the improving Graphic has the best of the argument at the weights but in the absence of any real clue in what is not a straightforward event, it may pay to sit this one out.

3.20: After such a good reappearance at Chester when second to Here Comes When – who went on to run with credit in a Group 3 next time – Abseil will be a popular selection in this handicap from only a 1lb higher mark. With the third horse (Pacific Heights) a winner next time, the Chester form looks solid. Taken out of a similar event last week at Sandown to avoid very soft ground, providing there are no unexpected cloudbursts the potentially smart Abseil looks the one to be with now. Velox and Spirit Of The Law (back to a winning mark) are seen as the biggest threats.

4.00: So often stamina is the final obstacle fillies face in their equivalent of the Derby. For that reason the classy Amazing Maria, who is subject to positive home reports but has to be a dubious stayer, and Irish 1000 Guineas winner Marvellous (by Galileo but suspect stamina on dam side) are overlooked. Taghrooda has a pedigree to die for in this and has looked useful at worst on her two outings to date. This trip should suit but further improvement is needed after the devalued form of her Pretty Polly win at Newmarket, which did look flaky at the time. Musidora winner Madame Chiang will certainly stay the trip and also races on her favoured surface. However she lacks the class of several rivals and a place may be the best she can hope to obtain. There was a lot to like about Volume’s latest win at Newbury and, a guaranteed stayer that will need to improve again, she is taken to spring a surprise and provide Richard Hughes with back-to-back Oaks winners.

4.45: Winner of only one race (his debut maiden) Parbold, second in the last year’s Coventry, has made a meal of getting his head in front since despite some realistic targets. He is accumulating a worrying list of excuses. Judging by the way he appeared to be taken off his feet over six at Haydock last weekend, this trip will be in his favour. Even so, the less complicated That Is The Spirit, who was a comfortable and emphatic winner of a York handicap three weeks ago, is seen as a much safer proposition.

5.20: Not all has gone according to plan with Kafeel but he looks temptingly weighted in this concluding handicap and may be worth taking a chance with for those that find themselves in a hole.

GOODWOOD: 6.35: Aledaid created a favourable impression on debut at Newbury and it will take a smart debutant to lower his colours now.