UK Horse Racing Tips: Royal Ascot

In a wide-open affair where a case can be made for many, the tentative vote goes to TRULY ENCHANTING. It was a testament to her ability that she was able to get off the mark after looking green on her debut at Tipperary last month and, with the promise of more to come on forecast better ground, a bold bid is anticipated for the in-form Aidan O'Brien team. American raider Ultima Grace impressed with the way she went about her business when scoring first time out over an extended 4f at Keeneland in April, setting brisk fractions before asserting close home, and she is respected for a trainer who has tasted success in this race four times. Impressive debut winners Make Haste and Spherical are a couple of others who merit consideration in what is sure to be an informative contest.
Prediction : 1st Truly Enchanting 2nd Ultima Grace 3rd Make Haste

With four of the last nine winners trained by Aidan O'Brien and winning favourites in both 2022 and 2023, there is a lot to like about the chances of HIGHBURY, who heads the early markets. Third on his debut, he showed the benefit of that experience when running away with a Leopardstown maiden by over seven lengths after showing a decent turn of foot when asked. The son of Galileo may reverse debut form with the unbeaten Birdman here, though that cannot be guaranteed and Jessica Harrington's Free Eagle gelding looks a worthy adversary who cannot be ignored. Mina Rashid is an outsider to consider after he stayed on strongly to win his maiden at Chester and appeals as having further improvement to come as a stayer.
Prediction : 1st Highbury 2nd Birdman 3rd Mina Rashid

Laurel has her first start since disappointing in last year's Lockinge. She won a Listed contest at Kempton under Ryan Moore before that, but has something to prove on her reappearance and OCEAN JEWEL is preferred. The latter looked an improved filly when winning a Group 2 contest at the Curragh last month with plenty left in the tank, and further improvement looks on the cards. Rogue Millennium won this last year and has joined Joseph O'Brien subsequently. She was no match for the selection when sent off favourite at the Curragh, though she may finish closer on this occasion. Breege accounted for Royal Dress and Running Lion when landing a Group 3 at Epsom, but would prefer some cut in the ground, while William Buick picks up the ride on the Irish filly and Group 3 winner Gregarina and she could go well.
Prediction : 1st Ocean Jewel 2nd Rogue Millennium 3rd Laurel

Six-time Group 1 winner Inspiral took the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf over this trip and she now has another crack at it after her below-par fourth in the Lockinge at Newbury last month. The daughter of Frankel boasts leading credentials, but Kieran Shoemark will have to navigate a path from a tricky draw in stall 10. With that in mind, the vote goes to AUGUSTE RODIN. Aidan O'Brien's colt had a good prep run for this contest when filling the runner-up spot in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last time and he took the Irish Champion Stakes over this distance in September last year. The 2023 dual Derby hero has proven his versatility in regards to distance at the top level and he could prove very hard to beat. Royal Rhyme took the Brigadier Gerard in preparation for a tilt at this prestigious prize and he may run better than his odds suggest.
Prediction : 1st Auguste Rodin 2nd Inspiral 3rd Royal Rhyme

Wathnan Racing look to hold a strong hand in this contest and James Doyle presumably prefers BESHTANI to Real Gain. Having shown smart form in France, the selection was making his UK debut when finishing an excellent second behind a subsequent winner over an extended mile at Epsom last month. The handicapper left on the same mark and this four-year-old son of Siyouni can make amends for that near-miss. Wild Tiger did it well when scoring readily over 7f in a Goodwood handicap most recently and he warrants respect despite being upped 6lb. Last year's fourth, Aerion Power, looks primed for another prominent showing despite the burden of a 5lb penalty for winning at Nottingham earlier this month, while a truly-run race with a stiff finish can suit Dutch Decoy and he could earn himself a spot on the podium.
Prediction : 1st Beshtani 2nd Wild Tiger 3rd Aerion Power

Summer Of Love heads the early markets after Saeed bin Suroor's Dark Angel filly scored comfortably enough on her return at Kempton and, with an opening handicap mark of 88, she can go well with a clear run, but Irish raider ADELAISE is still preferred. A little unlucky when short of room before finishing fourth here last year, she won the Listed Snowdrop Stakes at Kempton in April beating the 100-rated Choisya by a head, suggesting a mark of 98 here is workable. She looks as if she stays further so a fast-run mile could be ideal and, with William Buick booked to ride, she appears to have every chance. Villanova Queen won this last year and returns to handicap company boasting a chance, along with the lightly-raced pair Fakhama and Doha.
Prediction : 1st Adelaise 2nd Summer Of Love 3rd Villanova Queen

Wathnan Racing might have another useful one on their hands with SHADOW ARMY, who overcame inexperience to defeat subsequent Listed winner Francisco's Piece at York on his debut. Richard Fahey's yard has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks and he could continue that trend, but Aidan O'Brien knows what it takes to land this contest and his pair Treasure Isle and Celtic Chieftain must be feared. Pont Neuf made it two from two when winning at Salisbury last month and he is another who looks more than capable at this higher level. There is no shortage of an American challenge with the likes of Gabaldon and Honorary American taking their chance, and the former, who made a successful debut at Gulfstream last month, rates the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st Shadow Army 2nd Treasure Isle 3rd Celtic Chieftain