UK Horse Racing Tips: Royal Ascot

Aidan O'Brien bids for a fourth victory in this contest with SUN GODDESS, who made a promising start to her career at Naas before quickening clear in the manner of a very smart performer when stepped up to 6f at the Curragh. On that evidence, she may prove a tough nut to crack. There are a whole host of unexposed fillies in opposition headed by Silent Beauty, who cost a million euros and ran out a four-length winner on her debut at Yarmouth. Light Of Dawn represents Karl Burke, who won this contest last year with Venetian Sun, and she is respected following her Carlisle victory along with Dark Issue, who was impressive at Goodwood, and Libertango.
Prediction : 1st Sun Goddess 2nd Silent Beauty 3rd Dark Issue

VENETIAN SUN didn't see out a mile in the 1000 Guineas before dropping back to 6f in excellent style in the Sandy Lane. Her only other defeat came when third behind Precise over 7f in the Moyglare at the Curragh and the daughter of Starman, who won the Albany on this card 12 months ago, makes plenty of appeal, despite her relatively short price in such a big field. Albert Einstein was considered to be the second coming at the start of the season by Aidan O'Brien but is yet to fulfil that potential, even though he has improved with each run. Coppull was third in the Coventry here last season and returned with a C&D success last month, while others worth a mention include the third from that contest, Division, who has since chased home the selection at Haydock, and Charles Darwin.
Prediction : 1st Venetian Sun 2nd Coppull 3rd Division

Opportunity went straight to the top of many shortlists for this after winning at Carlisle. An 8lb rise seems fair, although stall one isn't ideal for William Haggas' gelding. Hopewell Rock's third at Newmarket was boosted by the front two fighting out the finish of the Copper Horse on Tuesday but a chance is taken on another runner of Wathnan's in FRENCH DUKE, who has Jamie Spencer in the saddle. He had excuses for both previous appearances at this meeting when trained by Roger Varian and this may be the year everything drops right. Warrant Holder went up 5lb for winning at York but commands the utmost respect, while Plage De Havre and Mondo Man are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st French Duke 2nd Hopewell Rock 3rd Warrant Holder

Aidan O'Brien last won this with Winter back in 2017 and he holds a strong hand in this year's renewal with PRECISE and True Love. The former turned the tables on her 1000 Guineas conqueror when winning the Irish equivalent at the Curragh last month and justified the reason why she was the more fancied of the two at Newmarket. The daughter of Starspangledbanner bids to record her fourth success at the top level and she is tough to oppose. Balantina won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf when last seen and isn't one to write off on her return to action.
Prediction : 1st Precise 2nd True Love 3rd Balantina

Glyfada has improved with each of her three appearances, winning two of them, and the daughter of Camelot has to be of interest with Oisin Murphy in the plate. Seet boasts a similar profile and the booking of Ryan Moore suggests a big run is expected, but a chance can be taken on SHE COMMANDS. Ralph Beckett's filly returned with a pleasing success over an extended 1m1f at Wolverhampton last month and was worth a lot more than the winning margin suggests. An opening mark of 86 might prove to be lenient and Jack Dace claims a handy 5lb. Spinning Around and Green Carrera are others to watch out for.
Prediction : 1st She Commands 2nd Glyfada 3rd Seet

The unbeaten WATER TO WINE arrives with a big reputation having easily beaten subsequent Derby fifth Alderman at Newbury on debut. The son of Kingman was forced to miss the Chester Vase, but got back on track with a facile victory at Kempton and the King George and Arc entrant could prove a potent force at this level and above. Saying that, the progressive Causeway will be no pushover, having completed a four-timer with last month's Group 3 victory at the Curragh. He could prove the main danger ahead of Listed winner Ancient Egypt, who found the soft going against him in the Derby.
Prediction : 1st Water To Wine 2nd Causeway 3rd Ancient Egypt

Roger Varian's yard is in terrific form and CALICO BLUE can make a bold bid in a wide-open sprint. Last year's dual novice winner made a pleasing seasonal/handicap debut when finishing a close second over the stiff 5f at Sandown and could prove better than his current mark. Sandal's Song placed in last year's Norfolk Stakes here and might feature once again. He's preferred to compatriot Bacio, while the unbeaten Westport makes his handicap bow having easily landed the odds at Hamilton and is another to consider. Gold Digger, Dickensian and Jazl also warrant respect.
Prediction : 1st Calico Blue 2nd Sandals Song 3rd Westport