Alan Thomson’s Tips: A Top prospect at Royal Ascot

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TOP TUG (5.35) will relish the fast ground and has a solid each-way shout at a loud price in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes.

Alan King’s gelding finished fourth in this race 12 months ago but arrives here a much fresher horse after a campaign tailored towards this big prize. His trainer was relieved the handicapper didn’t raise Top Tug following a fine second on his return at Goodwood, otherwise he wouldn’t have got into this race. Stall 10 is a good draw for a horse that needs a bit of cover and I’ll be disappointed if he is not bang there at the finish.

Dash Of Spice won with such authority at Epsom that he has to be near the top of anybody’s shortlist.

In the feature Coronation Stakes, ALPHA CENTURAI (4.20) can give a good account of herself in this elite female company.

Jessica Harrington’s filly clearly relished the return to quicker ground at the Curragh last month, using her speed to scythe down trailblazer Could It Be Love and some better-fancied rivals in a quality renewal of the Irish 1000 Guineas.

Alpha Centurai appeared a little unlucky not to land last year’s Albany Stakes at the royal meeting, finding herself tucked in against the far rail when challenging French raider Different League. She was very strong at the finish at the Curragh on her first attempt at a mile and gets the nod over Clemmie and Billesdon Brook.

I had Mildenberger sorted out for the King Edward VII Stakes but in his absence DELANO ROOSEVELT (3.05) is the pick.

Any chance Delano Roosevelt had in the Investec Derby was effectively over when he blew the start but he plugged on into sixth spot. Delano Roosevelt is better judged on his fast-finishing second to Hazapour over 10 furlongs at Leopardstown last month. Hazapour travelled strongly in the Investec Derby until his stamina ran out and is a very smart colt.

Stablemate Rostropovic finished in the ruck in a messy French Derby but showed a good turn of foot to win the Dee Stakes at Chester. John Gosden’s Raa Atoll has impressed on his last two starts and appears most progressive.

Aidan O’Brien’s FAIRYLAND (2.30) can edge out stablemate Just Wonderful in the Albany Stakes. Unbeaten in both her starts, she is following in the hoofprints of Ballydoyle’s 2016 heroine Brave Anna.

Fairyland showed plenty of dash to make almost all the running on her debut at Naas last month but the daughter of Kodiac was ridden with a bit more restraint 19 day later in a Listed event at the Curragh. Ryan Moore got the leg-up on odds-on favourite Van Beethoven but Fairyland was still on the bridle two out and quickly asserted to score by more than two lengths.

Moore takes the mount on market rival Just Wonderful, a neck winner at the Curragh on her sole start. That form also looks useful as runner-up Lethal Promise hacked up by more than six lengths eased down on her next outing and third horse Gossamer Wings was just touched off in Wednesday’s Queen Mary Stakes.

SIOUX NATION (3.40) meets some very speedy rivals in the Commonwealth Cup but he proved a tough nut to crack when landing last year’s Norfolk Stakes. Sioux Nation went on to win the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh last August and warmed up for this race at Naas, hitting the front at the furlong pole.

All his wins have come on quick ground and O’Brien’s tough colt knows how to get the job done when the whips are flying.

Equilateral trounced her rivals at Doncaster and although this is much harder she could be destined for the top.

The Sandringham Handicap has a ‘lucky pin’ look about it as usual but HENCE (5.00) relished the stiff mile at the Curragh and holds fellow Irish raider Terzetto on that form. O’Brien went mighty close last year with Rain Goddess in the same colours.

Recommended bets

• 2.30 – Fairyland (7-2, Ladbrokes, William Hill, Coral, Betfred)
• 3.05 – Delano Roosevelt (3-1, bet365)
• 3.40 – Sioux Nation (5-1, bet365, William Hill)
• 4.20 –  Alpha Centurai (7-2, Ladbrokes)
• 5.00 – Hence ew (14-1, William Hill, bet365)
• 5.35 Top Tug ew (16-1, Ladbrokes, William Hill)

Johnb's Royal Ascot Tips

• 2:30 – MAIN EDITION 6-1 bet365 eachway 1/4 odds 4 places NB
• 3:05 – ROSTROPOVICH 7-1 paddy power eachway 1/5 odds 3 places
• 3:40 – EQUILATERAL 9-2 paddy power NAP
• 3:40 – SANDS OF MALI 9-1 paddy power eachway 1/5 odds 4 places
• 4:20 – CLEMMIE 4-1 paddy power
• 5:00 – BETTY F 18-1 ladbrokes eachway 1/5 odds 5 places
• 5:35 – SIR CHAUVELIN 66-1 paddy power eachway 1/5 odds 5 places

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