ROYAL ASCOT is the jewel in the crown of the Flat racing season – and this year’s looks like being better than ever.
There’s the legendary Stradivarius going for a fourth Gold Cup, a red-hot Australian runner in Nature Strip… and the return of the unstoppable Baaeed.
But there’s plenty of money to be won from a load of other superstars too.
Some of them are well known, some may have slipped under the radar.
Here, Sun Racing’s Steve Mullen picks out his best seven horses to follow over the five days.
CITY WALK (Saeed Bin Suroor)
What? Wokingham Stakes
When? Saturday, June 18
Odds: 25-1
You may think it’s crazy to follow a horse for Royal Ascot that has just finished last in a Ripon handicap but he was almost knocked over when making his challenge and Pat Cosgrave had to slam the brakes on.
He has the potential to improve over the six-furlong trip of the Wokingham and is worth a look each-way at 25-1.
GO BEARS GO (David Loughnane)
What? Commonwealth Cup
When? Friday, June 17
Odds: 10-1
He was beaten on the nod in last year’s Norfolk Stakes and has progressed well since, winning an Ascot Group 3 on comeback before an unlucky fourth at Haydock last time when he stumbled at the start.
He is 10-1 for the Commonwealth Cup and looks worth an each-way bet.
HIGHFIELD PRINCESS (John Quinn)
What? Platinum Jubilee Stakes
When? Saturday, June 18
Odds: 12-1
She enjoyed dropping back to six furlongs to take the Group 2 Duke Of York Stakes on the Knavesmire in style last month.
A bit of cut in the ground seemed to suit but it was rattling fast when she won the Buckingham Palace Stakes at last year’s Royal meeting.
This has earned her a crack at the Platinum Jubilee Stakes where she has a strong each-way chance at around 12-1.