Morning all,

The creme de la creme of flat racing continues with another seven race card at Royal Ascot. Bay Bridge for many the banker of the meeting runs in the Group 1 Princes Of Wales’s Stakes (3:40). The race could end up tactical with just the five set to go to post. it’s possible that Japanese challenger Shahryar could make the running.

Earlier on the card the Wesley Ward trained juvenile Love Reigns could be hard to catch in the Queen Mary Stakes (2:30).

Saffron Beach has to give weight to all her rivals in the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes (4:20). She could easily outclass her seven rivals but its another race that could be a tactical affair. German trained filly Novemba could get her own way out in front and could be hard to peg back. French challenger and recent Saint-Cloud Group 2 winner Sibila Spain seems to be quietly fancied and could be the value.

5:00 – Royal Hunt Cup

The big handicap of day 2 and a maximum field of 30 are set to go to post for this annual cavalry charge down the straight mile. I prefer horses drawn middle to high here. Dark Shift has plenty of course form and looks well in under a 5lb penalty for his recent easy Nottingham sucesss. Last year’s runner-up Astro King bids to go one place better and is respected. Albeit stall 9 could be better. My two against the field are Rebel Territory and Symbolise. The former impressed with his attitude when making a winning seasonal return at Sandown last time. Symbolise finished runner-up in last season’s Balmoral Handicap over C&D and although he’s not run for 67 days this has likely been the plan. He seems to have a good draw in 29 and Harry Davies takes off a useful 5lb.

Royal Ascot Selection:

4:20 – 1pt win – Sibila Spain – 15/2 @ Paddy Power

Good luck with your Royal Ascot bets.

John