Royal Ascot

Chesham Stakes (Listed)

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Bedtime Story

Pentle Bay

Brian

BEDTIME STORY looked a fine prospect when running out an easy winner first time up at Leopardstown and is bred to go to the top, so she can give Aidan O'Brien another victory in this listed contest. The clear danger is Godolphin's Age of Gold, who was impressive when scoring at Yarmouth and can improve plenty himself. Leicester-winner Pentle Bay was highly in demand at Monday's sale and is a big player up in trip. Motawahij is one to note at bigger odds.

Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)

Isle Of Jura

Goliath

Middle Earth

CONTINUOUS lacks a recent run but he was much improved in the second half of last year and will prove hard to beat if returning anywhere near that sort of level. Middle Earth did well to overcome a pace bias in a Newbury Group 3 last month and could easily have more to come, while Desert Hero is better judged on his excellent reappearance at Sandown. 

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

Sky Bet paying 5 places instead of 3

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Khaadem

Swingalong

Mill Stream

Archie Watson has done a fantastic job since SHARTASH came into his care and, while the 4-y-o is back in much stronger company, the visual impression of both his wins this term suggest he's open to more improvement for new owners, so he's preferred to Duke of York winner Mill Stream. Kinross is always a player at the top level but others have a fitness edge on him.

Jersey Stakes (Group 3)

Haatem

Kikkuli

Chicago Critic

On 3 lb better terms RIVER TIBER is taken to turn around Irish 2000 Guineas form with Haatem, particularly as it's possible Aidan O'Brien's colt will come on for that reappearance. Task Force, Never So Brave and Kikkuli can fight it out for minor money in a strong renewal of this Group 3. 

Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

Sky Bet paying 8 places instead of 4

Unequal Love

Dark Trooper

Orazio

Lethal Levi

Plenty in with a shout but it could pay to side with ALBASHEER who remains on an attractive mark despite scoring twice this term on the AW at Newcastle and should find this stiff 6f right up his street. Richard Fahey's Strike Red is another who should be suited by conditions and he is next on the list after an encouraging Epsom fifth. Unequal Love and Ferrous both command plenty of respect too, with Glenfinnan completing the shortlist in a typically ultra-competitive Wokingham. 

Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap)

Sky Bet paying 6 places instead of 4

Hand Of God

Cambridge

Black Run

There was a lot to like about the way PRIMO LARA came clear at York last time and he's selected to defy another rise in the weights. The draw could have been kinder to Hand of God but it looks like he's been saved for this since his Esher Cup success so he's still second choice ahead of Palace Green and Approval.  

Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race)

Sky Bet paying 4 places instead of 3

Uxmal

Run For Oscar

Dawn Rising

The traditional Royal Ascot finale is run over the longest distance in the Flat calendar and it's TASHKHAN who gets the nod to come out on top provided he's ready to roll on return. The main threat may emerge from Queenstown, who has taken his form up a level this season and is Aidan O'Brien's sole representative, while last year's first and third in this Dawn Rising and Run For Oscar can do battle for minor honours in what is a truly unique test.  

Royal Ascot Racecards Saturday 22nd June 2024