ROYAL ASCOT - DAY 1 (TUESDAY)

14:30 ASCOT – QUEEN ANNE STAKES

Order Of Australia won the Breeders’ Cup Mile, two years ago but has only found the winner’s enclosure once, since that day at Keeneland. He was well beaten by Palace Pier on his seasonal debut in this race last year but improved as the season went on, placing third to Palace Pier at Deauville in the Prix Jacques le Marois and did get close to Baaeed at Longchamp in September. He’s a talented individual but he tends to come to life towards the tail end of the season.

Real World won the Royal Hunt Cup at this meeting last year and it speaks volumes of his progression that he’s made the step from Handicap to Group One, within a year. He topped that campaign off with a Grade Two victory against French ace, The Revenant. He won the Zabeel Mile on his seasonal reappearence but struggled in the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup. He was last seen chasing home Baaeed in the Lockinge and is taken to play the part of the bridesmaid again.

Baaeed is the star attraction. Unbeaten in seven starts and labelled the “the week’s banker” by those in his corner. He cruised home in the Lockinge without ever looking under pressure, leaving Real World in his wake. From a betting perspective, there is no contest so I’d sit back and enjoy the spectacle to open Royal Ascot.

BAAEED (WIN)

written by Kieran McHugh

15:05 ASCOT - COVENTRY STAKES

Blackbeard arrives here unbeaten in three having won at Dundalk over the minimum trip on debut, before following up with Listed success at the Curragh and then improving again to take the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes by over three lengths when last seen, proving in the process that he is more than capable of seeing out the six-furlong trip. With three races under his belt he has an experience advantage over most rivals and with a Group 3 victory already on the board he sets the form standard so looks to have a solid chance of giving trainer Aidan O’Brien his tenth victory in this race.

Persian Force beat five subsequent winners when winning by almost five lengths at Doncaster on debut in March then proved his stamina over six furlongs by quickening nicely to land his second career victory at Newbury last month. That was only a three runner affair but nevertheless was a taking performance and with the promise of further progression he would have to go on the shortlist.

Royal Scotsman finished over five lengths behind the winner when only fourth on debut but took a notable step forward when stepped up to six furlongs next time out, sitting much closer to the front order before easing to the lead and staying on for a five length victory. This race is a much tougher assignment but he is unlikely to have reached his peak yet so is respected.

Bradsell couldn’t have been any more impressive at York on debut, breezing to the lead a couple of furlongs from home before putting clear daylight between himself and rivals, running on to win by nine lengths. The fourth from that day, who finished around thirteen lengths behind Bradsell, won next time out at Wetherby so although early days the form looks decent. Archie Watson’s runner went straight in the notebook following that performance and I think could turn out to be a little bit special so he gets the nod in what looks to be a cracking renewal of the Coventry Stakes.

BRADSELL (WIN)

written by Dean Kilbryde

15:40 ASCOT – KING'S STAND STAKES

The presence of Breeders Cup Sprint winner, Golden Pal, leaves one suspecting this race could be quite special and the juices go into overdrive upon reading the form of Aussie superstar, Nature Strip. With the home team also well represented with top class form, this really does look like one of the World's leading races of its type and those connected, along with Ascot, deserve plenty of credit for assembling such a strong field.

Golden Pal pinged the lids when sent off favourite for last season's Breeders Cup Sprint and kept up his blistering pace when proving much too strong for a high-class field. Sent off odds on when coming back at Keenland, he once again proved much too good and trainer Wesley Ward has been extremely bullish about his four year old's chances here ever since. Clearly extremely high class and likely to be suited by the ground, he looks worthy of highest level of respect although he has been beaten on both of his prior visits to the UK and there is a slight question mark as to whether he is quite as good on a straight course versus encountering a bend. Attempting to seriously knock the crack American Sprinter is something of a thankless task though the lack of a bend and likelihood of possibly being taken on for the lead are significant grounds for caution and as such, he is tentatively taken on.

Nature Strip was slightly disappointing when suffering two surprising losses at the beginning of the year though he produced a sensational display to silence the doubters when absolutely hacking up at Randwick in April. Presumably trained with this in mind since, perhaps the Chris Waller inmate needs a run or two to reach his peak and at seven, one could hardly claim to be overly surprised. Looking for negatives here are almost impossible though there is always the danger that horses travelling such a long way may flop, despite this, his overall profile very strongly suggests he is the best horse in the race and the likely strong pace will surely bring his proven stamina into play.

Twilight Calls was blocked at a crucial stage when just failing to reel in the re-opposing King's Lynn at Haydock, the make up of this race looks certain to play to his strengths and Ryan Moore is an eye-catching jockey booking. Unbeaten in two starts on good-firm ground, Henry Candy's progressive four-year-old looks well up to having a crack at a race like this and he appeals as a very strong place contender.

Winter Power pestered Golden Pal for the lead and proved much too strong for that rival in last year's Nunthorpe, one suspects the latter had something of an off day then though the collateral form does at least stack up quite well. Very weak in the betting and behind a few of these on her comeback at Haydock, Tim Easterby's filly arrives here with questions to answer but she would be entitled to serious respect if bouncing back.

Man Of Promise is interesting on his first go at the trip although his Meydan form is quite a long way below what will be required here. However, Charlie Appleby has saddled the winner of this with a similar type before and respect is afforded, even if it is for the places only.

King's Lynn has developed into a high class sprinter and he took advantage of other's hard luck stories when just getting the better of Twilight Calls in the earlier mentioned Haydock race. Given the reaction, one senses the majority expect a reversal in form though he does have plenty of form to be recommended for places and he is another who will surely be suited by the strong pace.

Mooneista often rattles home when the bird has flown, as was the case at the Curragh last time out. Along with Lazuli and Arecibo, he could well prove suited to the strong gallop though the vote is handed to Nature Strip, who is taken to stalk Golden Pal before proving too strong for his American opponent inside the latter stages.

NATURE STRIP (WIN)

written by Chris Connolly

16:20 ASCOT - ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES

This years edition of the St James’s Palace Stakes is set to be a cracking affair. Coroebus is set to start a strong favourite for this contest as he seeks to emulate what Poetic Flare did last season by winning this race as well as the 2,000 Guineas. He did make the most of a very favourable draw on that occasion and though he has the best form to date, I am not tempted by the very short odds on offer. My Prospero has not done much wrong in his three starts to date and though he won well last time out at Sandown, he managed to get a very favourable run through that day and this looks to be a harder task here moving up from listed class. Maljoom is another who steps up in grade having won the German 2000 Guineas. He did extremely well to overcome a poor start that day and looks a big danger if he takes to the projected firmer ground here. My each way pick for this contest, however, is Lusail who re-opposes Coroebus today and will hope for better luck in running than he had that day and was also drawn on the wrong side and didn’t get as smooth a run. He will fully appreciate the faster ground and is very good each way value for this fascinating Group One event. LUSAIL (E/W)

written by Tom Bates

17:35 ASCOT – WOLFERTON STAKES

The penultimate race on day one of the Royal Meeting sees us tackle an ultra-competitive 10 furlong listed contest. With the current market starting with a 7/1 favourite it shows just how tough it is going to be to call but I’m hoping that the duo I’m opting for could go very well.

Current market principle is the Irish raider Cadillac who went well to claim a near 4 length listed victory at Leopardstown last time out. The four year old was impressive last time out but this looks a ridiculously more competitive affair and although I expect him to be nearer first than last I’d rather hunt for runners at bigger odds.

Winner of this race last year Juan Elcano returns to retain his crown and has a solid chance of doing so however this looks a tougher test than the contest he won twelve months ago. Strong place claims for Kevin Ryan’s charge but his return to action when stone last leaves a few question marks. I’m convinced he’ll improve upon that effort but unfortunately should find one or two too good this time around.

The Royal Blue silks of Godolphin are having a phenomenal year so far and they may be able to add to their plethora of Royal Ascot winners here. Charlie Appleby is the man of the moment in the training ranks and sends out six year old Star Safari. A very encouraging winter in Dubai where he didn’t finish outside of the top 3 in three starts and he may be fresher than some after a few month on the sidelines. His record over this trip indicates it’s by far his best distance and the firmer ground should also be of benefit. He needs to improve further with opposition of this calibre but it’s far from out of the realms of possibility and I’m going to take a chance on him as a sold each way selection.

Sticking with Godolphin and I’m also going to side with one of their other runners. From the Yorkshire based yard of Mark Johnston West End Charmer returned from a 241 day absence to claim 2nd in a listed event at Goodwood. He finished behind a horse he renews rivalries with here in the form of Majestic Dawn. With the stipulations to this race now giving West End Charmer a 3lb lower weight than his previous conqueror I expect the form of that run to be reversed. With the one run now under his belt he looks likely to improve now that he’s blown off the cobwebs and with a preference for better ground he also has conditions in his favour. At double figure odds he looks to good to turn down especially if you find a bookmaker offering four or five places.

Of the remainder Movin Time looks over priced and the ultra consistent Tasman Bay may have enough to finish in the minor placings.

STAR SAFARI (E/W)

WEST END CHARMER (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock

17:00 ASCOT - ASCOT STAKES

The Ascot Stakes gives the more traditional “jumps” trainers a chance of a Royal Ascot winner and Willie Mullins has made a habitat of snatching this staying prize, with four victories in the past ten years. The champion jumps trainer is once again responsible for the favourite this year in the form of Bring On The Night who’ll have the help of Ryan Moore in the saddle. The lightly-raced son of Gleneagles was two from three when last seen on the flat with Andre Fabre and must have been showing Willie a lot on the gallops to pitch him into the Supreme Hurdle (4th) on just his second run for the yard. He disappointed slightly at Punchestown but it’s telling that he’s the sole Mullins representative.

Gordon and Willie have fought out many a finish and another battle up the straight may be in the offing as Elliot’s Pied Piper is a solid contender. He was third in the Triumph Hurdle and won at Aintree only to be controversially demoted for interference, which represents excellent form. While with John Gosden he should a fair amount of ability and was last seen on the level winning easily off a mark of 89. The stint over hurdles may have “sweetened” him up but it’s worth noting he wore headgear on six of his last seven runs for team Gosden and hasn’t won on what we would call “summer good” ground, so for those reasons, I’ll look elsewhere.

Reshoun sprung a 66/1 shock in this contest last season to give Ian Williams a second winner in three years at the Royal meeting. He’s shown nothing like that form since but did run on late over an inadequate trip at Haydock two weeks ago, which may put him spot-on for a defence of his crown off the exact same mark, so he's not one to rule out. Another Royal Ascot winner in the field is Who Dare Wins, who’s been steadily dropping down the handicap with this race in mind, I’d imagine. He’s now twelve pounds lower than his last winning mark which came at the Royal meeting. Connections have minded his mark by running him exclusively over hurdles of late and he’s very much a live outsider.

Another to note is the Irish-raider Arcadian Sunrise who’ll relish the trip and ran well to finish 4th in the Chester Cup when last seen.

WHO DARES WINS (E/W)

written by Peter Keoght 18:10 ASCOT - COPPER HORSE STAKES

The last race on the card on the first day of Royal Ascot is the Cooper Horse Stakes race. 16 run here in which looks a fairly open race.

Current market favourite Cleveland drops down in trip after his impressive win at Chester, Which his Jockey then Ryan Moore was on fire that week at Chester he is on Cleveland again. 5 pounds higher in this race than his latest win. But it does concern me the drop down in trip as Cleveland form is patchy at best the lower down in trip. I think the price is short purely the Ryan Moore and A P O'Brien factor.

Stowell Placed in the Queen Vase last Royal Ascot based on that form you would think he would be in contention.

I Imagine lots of bookies offering extra places (5 Maybe 6) on this race with 16 runners. Not So Sleepy will run his race though the 10-year-old is the oldest in this race and a combination of younger legs and the fast ground being against him (Would prefer Soft or Heavy). Alounak is another horse who could run into a place who usually runs his race and has good pieces of form from last season in Listed races and a third in last season Ebor Handicap at York.

Bandinelli goes for a change in headgear this time after running below par last time out. If Godolphin are having a good day, I'm sure the price will shorten on him Tuesday.

One for me that catches my eye and is my selection is Joseph O'Brien Okita Soushi. Okita Soushi reappearance this season was being thrown into a listed race at the Curragh where he came 2nd Winner on the day was not for catching but Okita Soushi stayed on well at the end. Although the winner hasn't been seen since. It does look a solid piece of listed form. Okita Soushi is only 4 years old so there is plenty of improvement potentially to come. whereas some of his opponents in this race could be on the decline or have question marks over their form. At a near double figure price I think looks a really good each way bet.

Joseph O'Brien is a really clever trainer and has had success across the globe with his horses. It will be a strong team of his horses coming over no doubt and i would be surprised if he didn’t finish the end of Royal Ascot without a couple of winners over the 5 day festival.

OKITA SOUSHI (E/W)

written by Luke Tucker