THE question is not if but when Frankie Dettori sends his fans into a crazed state of euphoria this week.
It could well come in any of the first three races — but I think we’ll have to wait until one of today’s feature Group 1 events, the St James’s Palace Stakes over a mile.
It’s an absolute belter, featuring not only the Newmarket and Irish 2,000 Guineas winners in CHALDEAN (4.20) and Paddington, but also the highly regarded Cicero’s Gift and Mostabshir, who impressed at York last time.
Throw in the Dewhurst runner-up and Guineas third Royal Scotsman and French Guineas runner-up Isaac Shelby and you have a cracker.
There’s no doubt it’s worth having a few quid each-way on the Coles’ Royal Scotsman at long odds.
However the draw has worked massively in the favour of Chaldean and he’s taken to follow up his Classic success for Dettori — riding at his last Royal meeting and bidding for a fifth victory in this prize — and Andrew Balding.
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The son of Frankel could make all if he wanted to from the inside berth and the bit of rain forecast should also help him.
Royal Ascot gets under way with the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes over a mile. Expect a decent gallop here with both outsider Pogo and Mutasaabeq likely to go hard on the front end.
I was thinking of taking on MODERN GAMES (2.30) but the more I look at this race the more I think he’s very hard to beat.
A dual Breeders’ Cup hero, Modern Games has the one best piece of form in the race in his second to Baaeed in the Sussex at Goodwood last year and he showed in the Lockinge a straight mile is no concern.
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The Charlie Appleby runner is ultra consistent, goes on any ground and William Buick is up again. He’s got to be bang there.
Frankie rides Inspiral, the filly who gave him his only winner at last year’s meeting.
She will probably go off favourite as the country’s punters steam in for the legendary Italian jockey.
There is no doubt Inspiral has a touch of class and big Johnny G and son Thady will certainly have her in tip-top condition.
Next is the Group 2 Coventry over six furlongs.
Asadna looked a star at Ripon but I’m all over RIVER TIBER (3.05) here for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore.
The son of Wootton Bassett cost nearly half a million quid and has looked well worth it at Navan and Naas. He’ll stay well and is tough and clearly very talented.
Another Group 1 in the King’s Stand over five furlongs is up next and COOLANGATTA (3.40) is a pretty solid Group 1 Australian sprinter.
I’ll chance her for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and the excellent James McDonald.
The simple truth is most of the home team are well below this standard with the exception of Highfield Princess but there is no value in her price.
As they say Down Under Coolangatta is ‘a right ripper’ and goes on any ground.
She won a hot race at Flemington in February. The fact she stays a bit further is a bonus.
CALLING THE WIND (5.00) can take the Ascot Stakes for exciting young apprentice Billy Loughnane who takes off a useful 3lb.
That means my selection is 4lb lower than when sixth in the Chester Cup and he was a little unlucky on that occasion. Drawn a bit wide but stays well and loves this course.
It’s Listed company for the Wolferton over a mile and a quarter next.
Former hot Derby favourite BOLSHOI BALLET (5.35) has claims here each-way for Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien.
This drop in trip might be right up his street after he went a mile and three quarters at Navan and then a mile and a half at Newbury where he ran pretty well behind Haskoy and Israr.
That is strong form and he’s well drawn in stall one. Not impossible he might try to make all.
The first day ends with the Copper Horse Handicap over a mile and three quarters.
Vauban might well hack up for Moore and Willie Mullins but I can’t back him at short odds.
BERKSHIRE ROCCO (6.10) is a right character and not the most reliable — but he stays and has ability on a going day.
Oisin Murphy rides for Andrew Balding and a mark of 99 is very workable. Yeeehaaa!
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