13:50 Ascot

Relief Rally, 1pt WIN, 11/8

Most of these are closely matched on collateral ratings, but RELIEF RALLY (best price 11/8) comes out best at the weights, and having shaped well in finishing second on both of her last couple of starts, she is the one to beat.

She’s a Group 2 winner and has previously finished in front of a few of these, so there’s no reason why the form should be reversed, with soft ground holding no fears. In addition, Cieren Fallon is booked to ride.

This speedy filly also went close on her only previous outing over C&D, when finishing an unlucky nose-second in the Queen Mary at least year’s Royal Ascot. With plenty in her favour, she’s a worthy favourite.

14:40 Newmarket

Nashwa, 1pt WIN, 4/1

The feature race is the Sun Chariot Stakes, which has plenty of strength in depth. Three-time Group 1 winner NASHWA (best price 4/1) could prove capable of making a successful return to action, however, and gets my vote. 

She is very smart when at her best, and the way she destroyed her rivals in last season’s Falmouth Stakes on the July Course was impressive. Having travelled well, she cruised into the lead and quickened away to score by five lengths.

Following that victory, she placed in her next three starts in the Nassau, Juddmonte International, and Irish Champion Stakes, which is all good form. She’s gone well fresh in the past, too, so the top-rated runner in the lineup can make a successful return.