THERE will be speed match-ups at Royal Ascot this week, Battaash and Lady Aurelia in the King’s Stand, Harry Angel and Merchant Navy in the Diamond Jubilee. Blink twice and you will miss both.

The match-up between Order Of St George and Stradivarius in the Gold Cup is a match-up of a different kind, but it is no less intriguing for all that. Indeed, you can argue that it is the match of the week. At 2/1 each of two, most bookmakers are calling.