A breathtaking start to Royal Ascot is in store this afternoon, with three Group 1 contests holding centre stage.

Racing, fashion, heritage – this week has it all – and after the Queen has arrived for one of her favourite weeks of the year at 2pm, the Queen Anne Stakes will get the action under way at 2.30pm.

That will be followed by the King’s Stand Stakes and the St James’s Palace Stakes – with the Group 2 Coventry Stakes sandwiched in between as second race on the glittering card.

Le Brivido is favourite for the Queen Anne, representing the all-conquering Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore combination, while Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Phoenix Of Spain will be fancied to come out on top in the St James’s Palace Stakes for Charlie Hills.

But perhaps the race that will capture most of the attention is the King’s Stand and the showdown between Blue Point and Battaash, both of whom are blessed with blistering speed.

Charlie Appleby’s Blue Point got the better of the argument 12 months ago, but Battaash – another high-profile runner for Hills – looked tremendous on his return to action recently.

Ascot – the perfect fusion of racing, fashion and high society

What colour will the Queen be wearing?

Another surprise in the opener?

Warning – speed demons at work

Phoenix to rise again?

Moore the merrier?

Bet with William Hill here