UK Horse Racing Tips: Royal Ascot

A full-brother to the magnificent Battaash, THE ANTARCTIC bids to give Aidan O'Brien his first victory in this contest since Sioux Nation's triumph five years ago. Two from two in his career so far, the son of Dark Angel can maintain his unbeaten record by repelling the challenge of Walbank, a winner at Doncaster last month. Pillow Talk took Listed honours at York on her latest outing and is another to consider along with Crispy Cat. Bakeel won over C&D on his racecourse debut and he shouldn't be taken lightly either.
Prediction : 1st The Antarctic 2nd Walbank 3rd Pillow Talk

In an open contest marginal preference is for SECRET STATE. Charlie Appleby's charge is yet to race over this far but, having been slightly outpaced over an extended 1m2f at Chester last month, the extra yardage he encounters here could be ideal. Raised 6lb for his Newbury success, Israr warrants respect along with Surrey Mist, who finished half a length behind that rival. Mandobi makes his handicap debut off a mark of 95 and enters calculations, while Newfoundland and Post Impressionist are shortlisted too.
Prediction : 1st Secret State 2nd Israr 3rd Surrey Mist

This could go the way of LIFE OF DREAMS, who shaped with promise when finishing second behind Emily Upjohn in the Group 3 Musidora Stakes last month. She ran on late in that contest, so a step up in trip could aid her cause in this. Sea Silk Road seems her biggest danger having won a Listed race at Goodwood on her most recent outing and, despite that win coming on heavy ground, she previously won on good at Nottingham. Another to note is Magical Lagoon, who was denied by a short head in a Listed race at Navan in April.
Prediction : 1st Life Of Dreams 2nd Sea Silk Road 3rd Magical Lagoon

The lightly-raced Kyprios returned from a lengthy break to score in a Listed race at Navan and a Group 3 in emphatic style at Leopardstown last month. The step up in trip doesn't look like it will be an issue given the nature of his last win but, with nine of the past 10 runners having won over at least 2m, the unexposed colt could be vulnerable to STRADIVARIUS. John and Thady Gosden's charge arrives in good form having recently won the Yorkshire Cup on his return and, with the ground likely too quick for Trueshan, this exceptional stayer can further enhance his reputation by notching a historic fourth Gold Cup. Princess Zoe will relish the drier conditions and should not be taken lightly.
Prediction : 1st Stradivarius 2nd Kyprios 3rd Princess Zoe

Charlie Appleby looks to hold a strong hand with his milers this season and KING OF TIME could be another to add to the list, having met trouble before quickening up smartly to win at Newmarket in April. A half-brother to Sandringham winner Agrotera, the selection is bred to relish Ascot's straight mile. Unbeaten in four career outings, Whoputfiftyinyou warrants serious consideration along with Tranquil Night, who got a hefty 11lb rise for his most recent success. Course winners Atrium and Wanees are others to note.
Prediction : 1st King Of Time 2nd Whoputfiftyinyou 3rd Wanees

REACH FOR THE MOON is a clear standout in this contest and he can post a memorable success for The Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year. The son of Sea The Stars didn't look to be fully wound up on his return in the Heron Stakes, but the step up in trip here could be the making of a colt who was fancied for the Derby throughout the winter. Claymore would hold strong claims if bouncing back to the form that saw him finish runner-up in the Craven, while Cresta looks just the type to pick up the pieces late on under Jamie Spencer.
Prediction : 1st Reach For The Moon 2nd Cresta 3rd Claymore

A race featuring a mix of horses with potential and those proven in big-field handicaps, with the unbeaten Montassib, who fits into the first category, the obvious place to start. William Haggas' four-year-old overcame trouble in running when winning on his handicap debut at Goodwood last month and the lightly-raced gelding warrants the utmost respect. However, his current odds may not offer as much value as those of RHOSCOLYN, who is a classy performer on his day and may thrive in this type of race. Chiefofchiefs got no run in the Victoria Cup over C&D on his latest start and should go well, while the winner of that race, Vafortino, is another on the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Rhoscolyn 2nd Montassib 3rd Chiefofchiefs