Modern Games looks like a banker today in race one, the Queen Anne Stakes (2.30), at Royal Ascot.
The key for punters all week is evolving ground conditions. Nottingham was waterlogged yesterday and abandoned but Ascot escaped the deluge so conditions are expected to be good to firm for the opener.
Modern Games will have no issues. His record at the top level is remarkable – 1135212121 – and he was brilliant in the Lockinge at Newbury, readily beating Chindit.
Inspiral looks the main danger to Modern Games but she has been disappointing at short odds in two of her last three runs. At least we can say that she is fine fresh, having bolted up here 12 months ago.
Aidan O'Brien has a fine record in the Coventry (3.05), winning it nine times and thrice in the last decade. River Tiber, potentially a fine stallion down the line for Coolmore, is unbeaten and looks a really exciting prospect.
Marginal preference is for Asadna, who clocked a superb time at Ripon and represents a very promising trainer in George Boughey. His sire, Mehmas, was second in this race. This renewal looks one of the contests of the week.
It may be worth taking a chance on Bradsell at huge odds in the King's Stand Stakes (3.40). He won the Coventry last year over six furlongs but perhaps his defeats since have shown that he needs to drop in trip.
Certainly, he cantered through the race at Haydock, not getting home, and Hollie Doyle can ride him with confidence.
Coolangatta heads a really strong Australian challenge here, while Highfield Princess carries a great deal of hope for John Quinn and she has developed into a superb sprinter.
We have two Guineas winners, Chaldean and Paddington, in the St James's Palace (4.20). Chaldean was exceptional at Newmarket but the form has not worked out and Paddington is not far off him on collateral form after his win at the Curragh.
Preference is for the regally bred Mostabshir, who produced an exceptional performance at York. He seemed to show at least two changes of gear then and could be top-class.
Willie Mullins has a strong hand in two of the last three races. However, Bring On The Night could be vulnerable in the Ascot Stakes (5.00), with unlucky Chester Cup fourth Law Of The Sea readily preferred.
Frankie Dettori's last Royal Ascot meeting is sure to be memorable and Saga can take the Wolferton (5.35) under the Italian before the Mullins-trained Absurde is taken to surprise stablemate Vauban in the Copper Horse Handicap (6.10).
