ROYAL ASCOT - DAY 2 (WEDNESDAY)

It's the second day of the five-day Royal meeting with the showpiece contest coming in the form of the Group 1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes. 14:30 ASCOT

It seems only right to start with the Wathnan pair given their targeted efforts to acquire Royal Ascot winners. James Doyle has opted for Wild Blossom, who won by 10 lengths on debut and looked ultra-impressive, although the time figure perhaps didn’t quite match the visual impression. She has also been relatively easy to back in the lead-up to the meeting. Stablemate Alta Regina was an equally facile winner and could be better drawn should the high-number bias continue.

For me, the most impressive performance so far has come from Senorita Bonita. She appeared to have lost all chance before producing a remarkable change of gear to get up close home, and I have little doubt she’ll be finishing strongly up Ascot’s stiff uphill finish.

Wesley Ward once again brings over his usual contingent of speedy juveniles, seemingly headed this year by Ruiva, who was an emphatic winner on debut. The word from Ward is that she has breezed well on the turf. In years gone by he has been typically bullish, so I do wonder whether his more measured approach this time around is a positive sign for her chances.

(written by Toby Darby) 15:05 ASCOT

The Queen’s Vase looks a competitive renewal this year and the main protagonists should ensure a fascinating contest. Andrew Balding trains Galiyan, who will be partnered by Oisin Murphy and commands plenty of respect following a facile victory at Chester in May. He looks a progressive type now stepping up in trip, having been particularly strong at the finish last time out. Irish raider Limestone possesses a determined attitude and arrives with the classic-winning combination of jockey and trainer following last week’s Oaks success, making him the chief danger. Wareeth also impressed on his seasonal reappearance at Salisbury and could represent value at bigger odds.

(written by John Arnold)

15:40 ASCOT

She’s Perfect has plenty of questions to answer after a disappointing effort at Epsom on what was effectively heavy ground. She also returns just ten days later, which adds another layer of uncertainty.

Blue Bolt should appreciate the quicker surface, having won both of her starts on good to firm ground. She was successful on her seasonal reappearance, so there is every chance she’ll have improved again for that outing. I’d imagine she’ll head the market from the off, although I’d like to think there’s better value to be found elsewhere. I’m also a little surprised to see Friendly Soul take her chance here after the trouble she encountered at Haydock.

Overall, I feel this is a very open race. As with many contests during these major festivals, I believe course form and proven ground conditions are key, and at a big each-way price I’m happy to side with Snellen. Two appearances at Royal Ascot have yielded a win and a second, both on good to firm ground. Her latest outing was probably little more than a prep run after a seasonal reappearance, and her trainer knows exactly how to get one ready for a big occasion. At double-figure odds, she looks well worth a chance and I’d be very surprised if she isn’t involved at the finish.

(written by Luke Tucker) 16:20 ASCOT

On paper at least, this race appears to revolve around last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Daryz and three-time Group 1 scorer Ombudsman. Both arrive unbeaten in two starts this season, with the former arguably looking the more convincing in victory. However, the only time he has raced outside France he finished last of six in the Juddmonte at York, a race won in impressive fashion by Ombudsman. Having landed this contest 12 months ago, I’m happy to side with John Gosden’s runner, although I remain wary of the challenge posed by Almaqam, who impressed when beating subsequent Coronation Cup winner Bay City Roller in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last month.

Minnie Hauk, who was beaten just a head by Daryz in the Arc last season, adds further intrigue to what promises to be a high-class renewal.

(written by Dean Kilbryde)

17:00 ASCOT

Arguably one of the toughest races of the entire week to find the winner of is the Royal Hunt Cup. Witch Hunter is a horse I’ve been keen on for some time, a previous Royal Ascot winner who now looks well handicapped on his best form. He remains an each-way contender, although the draw may have gone completely against him from a win perspective.

Erzindjan is well drawn and has the assistance of Ryan Moore. He flew home to finish fourth in last season’s Cambridgeshire and arrives on the back of a victory, although this drop back in trip is a slight concern. Even so, he should be finishing strongly.

The four-year-old Linwood has won his last two starts and will be one of the fresher horses in the field. Jamie Spencer is always worth noting when teaming up with owner Fitri Hay and, from a favourable draw, he looks a huge each-way contender.

(written by Liam Hall)

17:35 ASCOT

With 25 runners set to go to post, this cavalry charge for older fillies looks exceptionally difficult to unravel. Given the size of the field, I’ve opted to side with two selections drawn on opposite sides of the track.

Breaking from stall 3, Oolong Poobong should not be overlooked after producing a highly creditable fourth in last year’s Sandringham at this meeting. The slight concern is that she has only been seen once since then, but if fitter for her latest outing she could easily go well here again.

At much bigger odds, Seren Star may be capable of outrunning her price. After a fair third on her seasonal reappearance, she looked to have been handled with care and, now a four-year-old, still has scope for improvement for a yard that should never be underestimated.

The consistent top-weight Stateira and fellow four-year-old Song N Dance also look lively contenders, while honourable mentions go to Betty Clover and former course and distance winner Unassuming, who both warrant close consideration.

(written by Rory Paddock)

18:10 ASCOT

Likely favourite Sergei Diaghilev has plenty to like on pedigree, but a berth in stall 2 is a significant negative and leaves enough room for him to be opposed. Controlla ran a huge race when finishing second on debut in a Group 3, has been handed a favourable draw and is difficult to dismiss.

Alfred Wallace had to dig deep to get off the mark at the second attempt, beating the very expensive purchase Pikachu, who is entered in the Chesham, with the pair pulling well clear of the remainder. Nicely drawn and boasting a genuine Group 1 pedigree, he looks sure to continue progressing.

(written by Liam Hall)