It’s one of the best weeks anywhere in the Flat racing calendar with five pulsating days of action at the Berkshire track.
The quality is outstanding and you don’t just get away with winning the handicaps – you have to be going places to get your head in front in them.
Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore have been a dominant force in recent year’s and while Ryan is long odds on to be leading rider – doubling him up with O’Brien as leading trainer can give you a good interest for the week – even when they’re competing against each other.
But maybe these four can make a nice Lucky 15 …
Mecca’s Angel, Kings Stand Stakes, Tuesday, 3.40pm
We all want the sunshine for the opening day of the Royal meeting but the weather looks unsettled so the ground can come right for Michael Dods’ runner. She put them all away easily at York last year given her favoured conditions and only a match-fit Profitable was a neck too good on her return this year.
She was far too keen but didn’t drop away and if she can get a lead to the last furlong she’ll go very close. Jockey Paul Mulrennan won’t have a better chance of a winner all week.
Usherette, Duke of Cambridge Stakes, Wednesday, 3.40pm
It’s not very often the French master trainer Andre Fabre smiles but mention this filly and he starts to get giddy. She’s been impressive with five wins from six starts so far & her only defeat came in a Group 1 race on just her third start.
She’s flexible ground-wise, is blessed with a silky turn of foot and this looks a perfect chance for here before a return to Group One company.
Gallop over to all the latest Royal Ascot racing betting on PP.com
Out and About, Britannia Stakes, Thursday, 5pm
He must be made of very tough stuff as he’s been winning when the rest of the William Haggas team have been woefully out of form this term.
His Haydock win on his seasonal debut was boosted by the third-placed George William subsequently winning well at the same track.
He will improve for the step up to 1m. Top jock Ryan Moore is already booked. A potential Group horse lurking in a handicap.
Nemoralia, Coronation Stakes, Friday, 4:20pm
Jeremy Noseda’s filly has been very unlucky so far in her two Grade One races. She should at least be coming in here as the Frizette Stakes or Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner in the States.
Her last explosive racecourse appearance resulted in a six-length demolition of inferior opposition and she steps back up in grade against top-class performers at Royal Ascot.
Now is her time for an overdue win at the top table.