Ascot 2.30 – Albany Stakes (Group 3)
I'm very confident in Signora—she has the pedigree (by Frankel, out of Heartache), strong form behind Lady Iman, and a promising debut in a Group 3 despite not being Moore's pick. She stayed on well under a quiet ride and looks set to improve.
Aidan followed a similar path with Fairy Godmother last year, which bodes well. I’m tempted to back her at 33/1 for the 1000 Guineas, though antepost on O’Brien horses is always a risk.
Selection: Signora
Ascot 3.05 – Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)
It’s interesting to see the favourite dropping back in trip, like Symbol Of Honour, who thrived as a sprinter. That suggests this one could be even better, especially if they trained together—market signals are strong.
Still, the favourite did best on soft ground and was only third in the 2000 Guineas, so I’m looking elsewhere. Babouche impressed me—he's a proper sprinter, great on fast ground, and beat Whistlejacket comfortably last time. With Keane choosing him over a French Guineas runner-up, that says a lot.
The field includes some horses rated in the low 100s who don’t look up to it. And while I’m not big on draw bias, stall 18 near the stand’s rail is a big plus for Babouche.
Selection: Babouche
Ascot 3.40 – Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap)
Though I don’t rate this race highly, it was still tough choosing at the top of the market. I liked both Wathnan runners and Hand Of God, but sided with French Duke—James Doyle’s pick.
It’s notable Doyle chose him over Almosh’her, who had a solid run at York. French Duke hasn’t run in 286 days, but Varian is excellent at getting one ready fresh, especially for Royal Ascot.
French Duke progressed well last year, ran sixth here, won at Goodwood, and was second on soft ground last time—ground that didn’t suit. Back on fast ground and now gelded, he should settle better. I expect Doyle to hold him up and launch a late run down the outside.
Selection: French Duke
Ascot 4.20 – Coronation Stakes (Group 1)
This might sound bold, but I don’t think this Group 1 is particularly strong—despite the French Guineas winner lining up. For me, Falakeyah could be in a league of her own.
Her form doesn’t match the proven Group horses on paper, but visually she looks exceptional. She has serious speed, and if the Pretty Polly had been over a mile, I think she’d have won on the bridle. That final furlong over 10f didn’t suit her—this return to a mile on fast ground is perfect.
The big concern is stall 2. If she doesn’t break well and get a good position, the rail could trap her. Crowley will need to be spot-on, and he hasn’t had the best week so far.
Selection: Falakeyah
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Ascot 5.00 – Sandringham Stakes (Fillies' Handicap)
Edward Bethell is a trainer I really rate—he doesn’t send horses to big meetings without purpose. He’s had one runner this week (Regional, who ran well in third), and last year he won the Britannia with Mickley, who shares a similar profile to Oolong Poobong.
Oolong Poobong impressed at Haydock last time, winning a solid handicap with plenty left at the finish, suggesting a mile will suit. That win came on the same day Mickley won before his Ascot success, pointing to a long-term plan.
She’s drawn high, which is a plus, and I’m quietly confident she’ll run a big race.
Selection: Oolong Poobong
Ascot 5.30 – King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)
Given how the week’s gone, it might seem foolish to oppose Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien—but I’m doing just that.
Puppet Master won the Lingfield Derby Trial, but it wasn’t a standout performance. Some felt the runner-up, also from Ballydoyle, wasn’t asked for full effort, while Moore was all-out. The form is decent, but Aidan rarely sends his top middle-distance horses to this race, and it often shows.
I’m also against the Beckett runner, with his yard out of form. Zahrann is my pick for Johnny Murtagh. His Leopardstown win was eye-catching—coming from last to first in a furlong on a front-runner’s track shows real class. He was green, showed a sharp turn of foot, and looks full of potential. For me, he should be favourite.
Selection: Zahrann
Ascot 6.10 – Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes (Handicap)
Adrestia is a filly I’ve always rated. She looked top-class as a juvenile, especially with that impressive Sandown win despite early trouble.
Though she flopped in a Listed race at Newbury, she bounced back this year with a solid third at Windsor behind an in-form sprinter. That run looked like a prep for this, and with Oisin booked, I’m confident she’s ready to fire.
Selection: Adrestia
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