FLARED Nostril, the Gazette's racing Blogger, looks at the first day of Royal Ascot and pinpoints some likely winners.
FLEETING SPIRIT looks an exceptional sprint filly and can justify hot favouritsm on the first day of Royal Ascot's banquet for genuine race lovers, who will be savouring the best action on turf this summer.
Jeremy Noseda's three-year-old gets all the weight allowances for the King's Stand Stakes over five furlongs and clocked an electrifying time when winning the Temple Stakes at Haydock on her reappearance.
It's always a concern when a horse records such an excellent display, that that 'bounce' factor might occur on the next run, but all the pointers are for a positive show, and she can shrug aside some seasoned Aussie speed rivals.
The appearance of dual 2,000 Guineas winner HENRYTHENAVIGATOR in the St James Palace Stakes (3.45) whets the appetite. Aidan O'Brien's Kingmambo colt has shown tremendous acceleration at the end of his races which is the hallmark of a top-class performer - he does need top of the ground though.
French raider Falco judged on his three-length beating of Rio de La Plata at Longchamp could be the biggest danger, but it is hard to oppose the Irish raider who looks a real champion judged on his easy defeat of subsequent Derby winner New Approach in the Irish mile classic.
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Mick Channon looks to have the answer to the Coventry Stakes in ORIZABA, a nine-length winner on his debut in a very quick time. Bought cheaply for 20,000 euros, he could be the bargain of the season but faces a very competitive field here which should ensure a decent price and Himalya and Icesolator appeal as the chief threats.
Tuesday's meeting opens with a real puzzler in the Queen Annes Stakes.
Top fillies Finsceal Beo and Darjina are out to redeem tarnished reputations of late, bit it could all be down top who has the toe at the end of the race and TARIQ fits the bill.
Peter Chapple-Hyman's Kyllachy colt was a length third to Creachadoir in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury when left with a fair bit to do - he may not be short of petrol this time when they scramble to the finishing post..
Richard Hannon's string is one of the strongest in the country and stable jockey Richard Hughes has plumped for SAUCY BROWN in the Windsor Castle Stakes, which must be a tip in itself.
The Ascot Stakes Handicap is for stayers and progressive BUKIT TINGII can overcome an 8lb penalty.
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