UK Horse Racing Tips: Royal Ascot

BAAEED is among the best horses in the world and it would be a major shock should the son of Sea The Stars lose his unbeaten record in this. A winner here in the QEII last October, the track holds no fears for the four-year-old and after a successful return at Newbury, he will be cherry ripe this afternoon. Order Of Australia was a length and a quarter behind him at Longchamp last year and that form gives him the edge over Real World (beaten over three lengths at Newbury) in what could be the battle for the places.
Prediction : 1st Baaeed 2nd Order Of Australia 3rd Real World

Trainer Paul Cole has made no secret of how highly he regards Royal Scotsman after his five-length Goodwood success and if he has improved as hoped, he looks likely to be a player here. Blackbeard might be the best of Aidan O'Brien's team after his Marble Hill Stakes success but he won't get his own way on the front in this field, so PERSIAN FORCE might pick him off late on. An easy winner of both starts, the latest at Newbury, he has an explosive turn of foot when called upon and may be able to mow them all down with a clear run.
Prediction : 1st Persian Force 2nd Blackbeard 3rd Royal Scotsman

Golden Pal disputes favouritism in a fascinating contest and the crack US sprinter, spoken about in glowing terms by trainer Wesley Ward in recent days, certainly warrants respect. However, there remains a slight doubt as to whether this track truly plays to his strengths and fellow international star NATURE STRIP, who has firmly established himself as the best Australia has to offer in the sprinting division, looks a better option. Of the home contingent, Twilight Calls still gives the impression he has more to give and this race, likely to be run at a blistering pace, should suit him ideally, while Charlie Appleby's Man Of Promise is another intriguing contender on his first run at the minimum trip.
Prediction : 1st Nature Strip 2nd Twilight Calls 3rd Man Of Promise

Fresh from his stylish winning performance in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, COROEBUS gets the chance to demonstrate his class in a race featuring a mix of established and up-and-coming types. The son of Dubawi, who travels as though he still has more to offer, can prove up to the task and put himself on course for some exciting match-ups against the older milers later in the season. My Prospero produced a taking performance when landing the Heron at Sandown last month and should continue progressing, while New Energy, who posted a career-best effort when runner-up in the Irish 2000 Guineas last time, is another noteworthy runner.
Prediction : 1st Coroebus 2nd My Prospero 3rd New Energy

Pied Piper made quite the impression over hurdles this year and he could easily be thrown in off a mark of 96 on his return to the level. Doubts remains over this trip though, as he was found wanting under pressure in the Triumph Hurdle. Preference instead is for ARCADIAN SUNRISE, who was an eye-cathcer from off the pace in the Chester Cup and is no stranger to big meetings, having won at Galway and the Ebor Festival last summer. Ahead of him on the Roodee was the improving Coltrane (second), who must enter calculations along with last year's winner of this race Reshoun, who returns off the same mark. Completing the shortlist are Bring On The Night, Marshall Plan and Surrey Gold.
Prediction : 1st Arcadian Sunrise 2nd Pied Piper 3rd Coltrane

This can go the way of JUAN ELCANO, who was an authoritative winner of this contest last year and arrives off a similar preparation this time around. Quick ground conditions are a major plus as he looks to fend off the likes of Irish raider Cadillac, who blitzed his rivals at Leopardstown earlier in the month, and Majestic Dawn, who could be dangerous if allowed to dictate up front again. A winner over C&D in handicap company at last year's meeting, Foxes Tales is another to consider, along with the returning Tasman Bay and the talented yet fragile New Mandate.
Prediction : 1st Juan Elcano 2nd Cadillac 3rd Foxes Tales

A wide open contest but a tentative vote is for JUAN DE MONTALBAN. The son of Lope De Vega trounced his rivals over 1m4f here last month on his second start for Kevin Philippart De Foy and a 9lb rise for that success may underestimate him. Cleveland is feared most following his victory in the Chester Cup, while Pita Pinta is respected after a creditable effort in Listed company on her latest outing. Others worthy of consideration are Stowell, Okita Soushi and Not So Sleepy.
Prediction : 1st Juan De Montalban 2nd Cleveland 3rd Pita Pinta