Royal Ascot Friday ITV Racing Tips

It’s very hard to argue against the favourite in today’s opener, ART POWER (best price 9-4) has been mightily impressive on his last two outings. His York win was on soft ground, so should be fine with the conditions expected today.

Despite thinking Art Power is a class above these horses, I’m keen to take an each-way punt on MIGHTY SPIRIT (best price 16-1). She was high on my radar last season, mainly following big runs against sizeable fields. She finished sixth to Raffle Prize, and then third a couple of runs later to Bettys Hope. Valuable experience in these sort of races and on similar ground.

GOLDEN MELODY (best price 9-2) looked a nice sort when scoring at Haydock earlier in the month. She pulled away in good style on ground which had a bit of give. If she wins in similar style, you might see a bit of movement in Star Of Emaraaty’s odds afterwards.

This is a cracking race with two exciting prospects going at each other. The top two in the market should finish top two at the end of the race. I’m opting with LIPIZZANER (best price 3-1), the step back to 5f will suit and has valuable experience of soft ground. The two-year-old finished a couple of lengths ahead of Battleground last time out.

This should be another winner for the in-from Jim Crowley. ELARQAM (best price 5-2) is a very talented horse, and the five-year-old's form has only been boosted by Lord North’s magical display earlier in the week. The extra distance should be a positive, and he won’t mind the cut in the ground.

Raffle Prize plays a key role in this race as she’s taken on quite a few contenders in this race. She met KIMARI (best price 7-1) in the Queen Mary Stakes and the two had a ding-dong battle, before Raffle Prize won by a narrow margin. The impressive Final Song and Liberty Beach were in the same race. Raffle Prize has since gone on to put in some cracking displays. Kimari has been in good form in the States, and should be at least placing in this field.

BERKSHIRE ROCCO (best price 4-1) beat them all apart from the impressive English King earlier in the month. It’s difficult to see a horse of English King’s calibre in this contest. Should be suited to the step up in trip. Santiago looks the biggest danger.

DEJA's (best price 10-1) last two outings were creditable runs on the all-weather, but it’s the performances in 2018 which stick in the memory. He won back-to-back races, finishing ahead of Wajaaha and Brisk Tempo. This horse has bags of potential and in my opinion is better suited to this distance and the turf.