ROYAL ASCOT PREVIEW: DAY ONE

2:30 Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) 1m

This looks a three horse race. Solow has impressed in compiling his six race winning sequence but he has yet to race on ground this fast over a distance this short. He’s not bred to be a miler nor does he have the shape one. He took some time to pull back Gailo Chop of a slow pace in the Prix D’Ispahan and could be vulnerable here and there’s grounds for thinking he is too short.

Able Friend has outstanding form in Hong Kong and could cruise in. However, he meets a different set of circumstances here in travelling a long distance and racing over a straight mile.

This is a specialist milers’ race and the value could be Night Of Thunder at 5/1. Even though he never matched it his 2000 Guineas win last year is the best piece of form in the race. His Lockinge win has been boosted by those behind and the Hannon team have a great record with milers and in this race. Godolphin have also won the race seven times.

SELECTION: Night of Thunder

3:05 Coventry Stakes (Group 2) 6f

Six of the last nine favourites have won and there are many talking horses here with Round Two, Air Force Blue and War Department all unbeaten and impressive winners. Mark Johnston’s Buratino and Ode To Evening have also impressed on their last outings. The American Finegan may well blitz them all for pace. A five-length Pimlico winner at odds-on but is drawn wide which might not be ideal.

Jim Bolger has made no secret of the regard in which he holds Round Two and that in itself is a tip. The form of Air Force Blue’s Curragh win has been boosted by the second and he might hold of the favourites. Two at bigger odds are Brian Meehan’s Maccus with the stable in good form and Simon Crisford’s first Royal Ascot runner First Selection.

SELECTION: Air Force Blue

3:40 King’s Stand Stakes (Group 1) 5f

Most will put punting aside and cheer Sole Power if he looks like finding his gaps. This is a hot renewal however and Muthmir and the fillies Mecca’s Angel and Shamal Wind from Australia are new dangers. Sole Power beat most of the others in this last year including Take Cover, Pearl Secret, Hot Streak, Stepper Point and Jack Dexter. Goldream in stall three should see speed for Sole Power (6) to track into the race and he looks sure to go close.

The ground may prove a bit fast for Mecca’s Angel and the fast five furlongs a bit short for Muthmir. That leaves Shamal Wind and Ryan Moore as the most likely winner. Hot Streak finished third last year and could produce another decent run at 33/1.

SELECTION: Shamal Wind

4:20 St James´s Palace Stakes (Group 1)

A match between the winners of three Guineas with Gleneagles (English and Irish) and Make Believe (French). Gleneagles was impressive at Newmarket but less so at the Curragh although he showed a willing attitude to get on top. Make Believe won well at Longchamp but may have been flattered by how the race was run as New Bay was very wide and would surely have won with a better draw. You have to go back to 1999 for the last French winner and those coming from Newmarket or the Curragh have excellent records. Consort was impressive at Sandown but it’s rare that horses make the jump from listed to Group 1 company. Belardo may find the going too fast again.

SELECTION: Gleneagles

5:00 Ascot Stakes (Handicap) 2m4f

Five Irish-trained runners with Clondaw Warrior and Digenta from the Mullins most fancied in the betting. Johnny Murtagh’s Hardstone and Mick Halford’s Asbury Boss also have claims. The Tony Martin-trained Elishpour, an outsider at 33/1 is noted off a long absence. Fun Mac and Richard Hughes looks the best of the British runners.

SELECTION: Digenta

5:35 Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed Race) 5f

A cavalry charge of two-year-olds and with winners at 100/1, 33/1 and 16/1 in the last seven years, none can be ruled out. Ruby Notion is considered for US connections who have had success already here. Soapy Aiken has impressed on his two starts while Richard Fahey’s Lathom could reward each-way support at 25/1.

SELECTION: Soapy Aiken