Royal Ascot is back on Thursday afternoon with another cracking seven-race card for punters to enjoy.
The card features four Group races including one of the races of the week, the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup.
We have selections and analysis for all seven races on Thursday’s card including a couple of value picks at rewarding odds.
2.30 Ascot - 5f Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (2yo)
Aidan O’Brien gained an 11th Coventry Stakes on Tuesday and looks capable of getting his first win in the Norfolk since 2017 with Charles Darwin.
The Irish raider shaped with promise on his debut before following up in a Navan maiden and he couldn’t have been any more impressive in his subsequent victory. He sets a solid form standard for his rivals to aim at.
Selection: Charles Darwin
3.05 Ascot - 1m4f King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105)
There are plenty with King George V claims but a chance is taken on Merchant, who looked like a bright prospect to follow when bolting up at York last time out.
That looks like strong form, with subsequent winners coming out of the race, and he’s proven over the trip and on the ground.
Selection: Merchant
3.40 Ascot - 1m4f Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo)
This doesn’t look like the strongest renewal of the Ribblesdale and one that looks capable of taking advantage is Garden Of Eden for the Ryan Moore and O’Brien combination.
She got firmly back on track with a Listed win at Naas last month and she gives the impression there will be even more to come over this sort of distance.
Selection: Garden Of Eden
4.20 Ascot - 2m4f (2m3f210y) Gold Cup (Group 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)
Illinois isn’t guaranteed to stay this new trip and it may be worth siding with one at a bigger price as a field of eight runners has created an each-way angle.
Wonder Legend is probably the most interesting from those at double figure odds after taking his form to a new level at Newcastle last time and all-weather form often translates well to Ascot.
Selection: Wonder Legend
5.00 Ascot - 1m (Str) Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Colts & Geldings) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105)
Colin Keane is on the board for his new bosses already this week and has a fascinating ride in this race on Brave Mission.
This son of Frankel gave the impression he would relish a step up in trip when beaten a length over seven furlongs at this track last time out and, if he does improve, a 1lb rise in the weights certainly isn’t insurmountable.
Selection: Brave Mission
5.35 Ascot - 1m2f Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo)
Juddmonte’s new retained rider also has a cracking chance on board Detain in the penultimate contest.
After winning a valuable heat at Chelmsford on his return, he wasn’t beaten far in the French Guineas and he was beaten an even shorter distance in the French Derby since. That’s the best form on offer and he can continue to impress.
Selection: Detain
6.10 Ascot - 7f Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105)
Never So Brave ran a belter on his stable debut for Andrew Balding last time out at Chester on his first run since leaving Sir Michael Stoute and Balding has a good record with the horses he’s picked up from that yard.
He wasn’t seen to best effect on the Roodee when beaten only a nose and expect him to strip fitter for that first outing since October.