The three most backed horses on day three of Royal Ascot

MONARCH OF EGYPT arrives here after finding traffic problems in the Irish 2000 Guineas, and his form behind Siskin last season gives him very strong claims today. Aidan O’Brien’s runner has shown he can mix it at Group 1 level, so this Group 3 should be there for the taking.

TECHNICIAN is being well backed against Stradivarius in the Gold Cup this afternoon. The rain overnight and this morning will no doubt be a big factor behind this. The four-year-old relishes testing conditions, having won his last four races on testing ground. Stradivarius, on the other hand, is less suited by the conditions and looks to have a huge battle on to defend his crown.

AFRICAN DREAM was beaten a nose by Stylistique last week, giving her weight, so the fact she arrives here rated 96 means she is incredibly well treated. Due to go up 16lb in the future, John Gosden’s filly is being extremely well supported to back that effort up here and it could take something special to stop her.