Comment - Sea The Stars sparkles on the highway to greatness

The 2009 Flat season has revolved solely around the brilliant Sea The Stars. This afternoon at Leopardstown in the Irish Champion Stakes, John Oxx’s star added another Group 1 to his name, his fifth in succession. After treating some immensely-talented rivals with complete disdain over the past five months, it would take a brave soul to bet against him not adding to his haul in the coming weeks.

Sea The Stars has been simply sublime this summer and today's win was arguably his most impressive. His participation had been doubt due to the ground conditions at the course and Oxx, as he stated all season long, was concerned that the soft ground may be against his champion. However, a couple of dry nights and a fresh track gave Oxx enough confidence to let Sea The Stars put his weighty reputation on the line once again.

The state of the ground was not the only thing against him. Aidan O’Brien has seen the backside of Sea The Stars all too often this season. Fame And Glory did not get close to him in the Derby; Rip Van Winkle was left trailing in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown and Mastercraftsman, try as he did, was thoroughly outclassed in the Juddmonte International at York. Today was O’Brien’s next opportunity to topple his nemesis. After a scintillating performance in the Irish Derby, Fame And Glory seemed to hold his stable’s best chance, even though Mastercraftsman was allowed another crack at his recent successor.

As usual, the Ballydoyle pacemakers set a frantic early pace, attempting to make it a stern test of stamina in the rain-soaked conditions and play to the strengths of Fame And Glory. The big two in the betting sat off the pace throughout, until four furlongs from home when Johnny Murtagh moved Fame And Glory past Sea The Stars in a bid to stretch him. Unfortunately for Murtagh, Mick Kinane had the move covered and quickly moved his mount up the field and sat ready, waiting to push the button. Murtagh sent Fame And Glory for home two furlongs out but with supreme ease and finesse, Sea The Stars drew alongside his old rival and sauntered into a clear, unchallenged lead. It was a sight to behold as he powered away, winning easily by two widening lengths. Kinane did not have to resort to the whip, his rivals were left toiling and he made the high-class runner-up look like a mediocre individual.

Sea The Stars is a true testament to his trainer and jockey. Oxx’s handling of his prodigy has been faultless. Before each race, Oxx has given his time to inform the betting public of his well-being and his probability of turning up, mainly on the basis of the ground. Just like the horse himself, Oxx is calm, composed and very concise in his thinking and those qualities have certainly rubbed off on the son of Cape Cross. People say two is company but three’s a crowd, a statement not applicable to this trio. The final piece to the Sea The Stars puzzle is his jockey. On every occasion, 50-year-old Kinane has had full confidence in his mount and his opinion of him cannot be higher. Kinane regards him as the best he has ridden, something extraordinary and a horse that only comes along once in a lifetime.

It looks increasingly likely that Sea The Stars will end his three-year-old campaign unbeaten. His next target will probably be the Arc, but the decision is purely ground-dependent. After that, he may go for the English Champion Stakes at Newmarket, the scene of his 2,000 Guineas romp in May, and then the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita. However, his trainer believes the last two races may be asking too much of his brilliant colt, who has been on the go since spring. He is already a legend, but a win in France’s premier race will ensure he leaves a lasting legacy, as seen with the unstoppable Zarkava last season. He is now going to be compared to Flat racing’s greats – such as Nijinsky – and rightly so. During these tough times, racing is lucky to have a figure of his stature and he is the type that will attract new, young faces to the sport.

Sea The Stars is a freak in that he has been able to handle everything that has been thrown at him. For a horse to win five Group races on the bounce and not have a break is something largely unknown. For now, racing fans should rejoice in celebrating his presence, for in a few weeks he will be retired to stud and people will talk long of his name in years to come, wishing they had seen him in his pomp.  If Sea The Stars is as good at shagging as he is as at running, then the Irish National Stud have something to look forward to.

Preview - Day Three - Goodwood

The weather promises to play a big part, especially if the predicted rain arrives which will cause hassle for many punters studying each race. Also, draw bias has had an impact on the results over the first two days. In short, in handicaps with more than 16 runners it pays to be be drawn high, but in smaller fields, results are showing that being drawn low is an advantage. Take it as you will, it is difficult enough trying to find a winner taking into account many other factors such as trip, ground and weights let alone which stall they are housed in! Anyway, hopefully I can find a winner or two to brighten up the day.

The first race looks like a tough opener for punters but on form Mirrored looks to have a decent chance. He was entered up for Friday's Totesport Mile but trainer Sir Michael Stoute has opted to race him here and race over near two furlongs further. Since winning two small handicaps in April and May, he really has improved into a useful handicapper. He ran a huge race at Royal Ascot in the Britannia Stakes, finishing third and losing out by a small margin. On his previous start, again over a mile, he was staying on to take third at Sandown after being set a little too much to do. The way he has being seeing out his races is pleasing and with his trainer and jockey (Ryan Moore) bang in form, he will take all the beating. Roman Republic has twice finished behind Mirrored this season but he showed improved form after being upped in trip to 10f on his last start. Mark Johnston's charge will probably race prominently and rates as a good each-way bet given that he is guaranteed to stay. Sopranist is a lightly-raced individual from the John Gosden stable and has shown improvement on each start. Set The Trend has progressed well and ran well on his only start on turf at Haydock, staying on without looking like the winner. He could go well for his in-form trainer. It is a tough race to unravel with many of these unexposed and with further improvement to come so stakes should be kept small, even though Mirrored looks sure to run well with lots in his favour.

The Audi Stakes over 5f looks sure to run at a break-neck gallop and the admirable and consistent Borderlescott heads the market. Robin Bastiman's seven-year-old is a credit to his stable as he always runs his heart out and looks set to improve on the form shown at Goodwood during his career, as four runs at the track have yielded a win, two seconds and a third. He obviously loves the track and is adaptable in terms of ground so if the rain does come his chances may not be as affected as his rivals. After a confidence-boosting win at Chester last time out, he will be in prime shape to take his chance. If the weather does take a turn for the worst, Ialysos's participation may be in doubt as he needs good ground to be at his best. He has been a revelation since joining Luca Cumani from Greece and has won nine of his 10 starts, his only defeat coming in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes where he found the opposition too good. This level is much more his grade and he got back to winning ways at Sandown, staying on well up the rail to win. He picks up a penalty for that race but is in good form and if the rain stays away, he will go close. Kingsgate Native is an interesting runner having returned to racing after proving to be infertile at stud. On his first run back, he was up against in the Golden Jubilee and was eased down after failing to land a blow. He is a top-class performer having won the Kings Stand Stakes as a three-year-old. If back to his best, he will take all the beating. Inxile is a consistent sort and has won some nice races abroad this season. He is in form and should run well again. Many of the runners are out of form and need to up their game to feature, but of the remainder, Total Gallery ought to go well after winning well over 6f at Newmarket.

The much-anticipated Goodwood Cup over 2m takes centre stage at 3:25 and it looks a very competitive affair. Schiaparelli is the forecast favourite and looks interesting for Goldophin and Frankie Dettori. He ran a huge race in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting, where he was seemingly unfancied but kept going under his jockey and even though he was demoted to third after drifting across Alwaary, he found only the high-class Doctor Fremantle too good. He is up in trip 4f today and would appreciate the rainfall given that his best form has come with some ease in the ground. He is a four-time Group 1 winner and it will take a good one to topple him. Askar Tau is arguably the most interesting runner of the festival, having his first start of the season after disappointing as favourite in last season's Cesarewitch in October. Before that, he had racked up five wins in handicap company over marathon distances such as this and even though this will be his first try in Group class, he has to be feared. Now that his trainer Marcus Tregoning in back in form after a virus at the yard, advertised by Finjaan's decisive win in Tuesday's Betfair Cup, Askar Tau should go well back to this distance and with conditions in his favour. Enroller is another up in trip after two solid efforts in good company this season. He began his season in fine style, winning a soft-ground Group 3 at Newbury. He is consistent but may need some cut to be at his best. It will be hard to discount the old boy Caracciola, who has been in tremendous form on the level this season. He won last season's Cesarewitch over 2m 2f and after gamely holding on at York, he headed to Royal Ascot to contest the Queen Alexandra Stakes over 2m 6f. He bullied his rivals into submission that day and forged clear to score readily and he in his current mood he looks sure to go well. Mourilyan is worthy of a mention after his antics in Dubai. He is dour stayer and Gary Moore will have him in top shape.

In-keeping with the competitive nature, the Moet Hennessy Stakes, confined to fillies, looks equally as tough. Lucy Wadham's Cassique Lady is progressing all the time and tackles this distance for the first time. She won a Listed race in determined fashion on her previous run and based on that effort should go well with Ryan Moore in the saddle. She is the highest-rated runner in the field and is versatile in terms of ground and trip. Suailce represents Dermot Weld and is a tough stayer. Even though proven on quicker ground, her best form has come on surfaces with some give and will certainly make it tough for her opponents, given that some are going into unknown territory over this trip. She has the strong assistance of Jimmy Fortune in the plate and will be challenging late. Starfala has been running with credit of late over 10f but she could find more improvement now tackling this distance. She has improved rapidly and has a rating of 100, but could prove better now getting more of a stamina test. The form of her last race in the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock is working out well, with the winner and third going on to score on their next starts. Frankie Dettori gets the ride and she will go well. Victoria Montoya is a proven stayer and is a course and distance winner. This trip looks her optimum as she has gained three wins from five races at it and has conditions to suit. In a tricky race, she is another who can get involved.

Another three-year-old handicap, this time over 7f but it looks just as hard to solve. Brae Hill won nicely at Chester on his last start and has only gone up 5lbs in the weights, which looks lenient. He has a good draw in 15 and has the potential to progress further so he can go well for Hayley Turner. Shamwari Lodge was a beaten favourite in a decent Newmarket handicap on just her fifth career start last time out. She was dropped to a mile but could not cope with the pace shown by some of her rivals and she stayed on to finish eighth. Back up to 7f today, she may bounce back to her best form. Infiraad was well fancied for the Jersey Stakes at Ascot's Royal meeting but he failed to show anything like his best and he trailed in last. Something must have been amiss that day and he can be given another chance after looking like a good prospect before that. He has his conditions and he will have no excuses. Many of the others have some sort of chance but Suruor ran a cracker on his last run at Ascot and if in the same form has the ability to go well under Jimmy Fortune for trainer David Simcock.

The penultimate race on the card is a maiden race over 7f and the betting will play a huge part in indicating who will fare the best. Water Biscuit represents Brian Meehan and she has finished runner-up twice during her short career. Meehan's juveniles generally improve for the run on debut and she was narrowly denied by the more-experienced Bella Swan at Newmarket last time out. She is upped to this trip from 7f and with Frankie Dettori aboard, much is expected. Laureldean Spirit should have improved for her promising debut run, where she was beaten by greeness and immaturity. She was well fancied and took up the running with a furlong out and looked set to win but she began to idle and was caught by a Godolphin inmate. The experience will have done her good and she can be expected to improve significantly here for her in-form trainer Richard Fahey and jockey Paul Hanagan. Ghazwah is another who will benefit from her debut run, where she finished behind Water Biscuit. She needed the run that day and with John Gosden's juveniles going well she will go well under Richard Hills. In any maiden race, it would be unwise to ignore anything entered by Richard Hannon. He has three in the race, but all of them would need to improve to take this, with Paleo looking the stable's first choice. Paul Cole races Pink Symphony, who holds many big-race entries and she should be watched closely in the betting as she may be good enough to strike first time out.

The final race on the card is a punter's nightmare, a 26-runner handicap over 5f. The draw will play a big part so it may pay to be drawn high. In truth, it looks so difficult to solve and stakes should be kept to a minimum. Indian Trail, Rocker, Le Toreador and Mandurah have all been running well in these type of races all season and in-form sprinters should not be ignored. One which is interesting is Northern Bolt, drawn in 22 and trained by sprint-king Dandy Nicholls. He hasn't been running too badly recently but one positive can be gleaned from one piece of form from last season where he finished third at Doncaster in a field on 20. He may prefer larger fields and is sure to be a big price.

Selections (10 point wallet) -

2:10 - Mirrored - 1 pt win at 4/1.

2:45 - Borderlescott - 3 pt win at 3/1.

3:25 - Askar Tau - 1 pt e/w at 11/2.

4:00 - Starfala - 1 pt win at 9/2.

4:35 - Brae Hill - 1 pt win at 6/1.

5:10 - Water Biscuit - 1 pt win at 3/1.
- Pink Symphony - 0.5 pt e/w at 10/1.

5:45 - Northern Bolt - 0.5 pt e/1 at 25/1.

Review - Days One and Two- Goodwood

Firstly, may I apologise for only beginning to analyse Glorious Goodwood three days in, mainly due to a lack of motivation and in some cases, sheer trouble in trying to find a winner of particular races. Hopefully this small review will whet the appetite for the remainder of the week.The first two days have produced some taking performances and some exciting finishes. On Tuesday, Harbinger romped to victory in the Gordon Stakes and has since been installed as 7/2 favourite for the St Leger in September, won last year by stablemate Conduit. Also, Monsieur Chevalier made it six wins from seven in the Molecomb Stakes, a remarkable achievement for all concerned. He is a horse who exudes class and must be produced late to make full use of his deadly turn of foot and it looked for a moment as if he may not get a run during the race. However, once Richard Hughes angled for a gap, his mount shot through it and scored in impressive fashion. On Wednesday, Clive Cox's Xtension played a big compliment to his Coventry conquerer Canford Cliffs as he routed his opposition in the Vintage Stakes. He needed every yard of the 7f trip and looks like a useful prospect for next season. The feature race of the day, the Sussex Stakes, looked a top-class renewal and the nearly-horse Rip Van Winkle took on Group 1 winners in the shape of Paco Boy and the superstar filly Ghanaati over a mile. After nearly being withdrawn due to lameness, 'Rip' lived up to the hype and won in convincing style, taking up the running three furlongs out and staying on well to deny Paco Boy and Ghanaati. This was his first win of the season, a belated one having seen the backside of the awesome Sea The Stars on three occasions.

Comment - Hats Off, Ffos Las

Wales is proving to the sporting world that it is more than capable of staging world-class events, minus the mishaps so often seen elsewhere. When Wembley was being built, albeit five years late, the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff coped admirably with herds of football supporters ambushing the arena each May to witness the F.A Cup Final. Recently, the SWALEC Stadium played host to the first Ashes Test match of the 2009 series, which saw England hold out to gain an epic draw. Many were sceptical as to how the area of Glamorgan would handle the pressure of the event, but all went smoothly. On the 18th June, history was made as Ffos Las opening its gates for the first time to the racing public.

Ffos Las, situated in West Wales, has been supported and funded by businessman Dai Walters, a keen racing enthusiast. Even though it is a dual-purpose racetrack, staging both Flat and Jump racing, it is Britain's newest National Hunt course and the first to be built in 80 years. The racecourse itself was previously an open-cast coal mine but once that industry closed in the 1980s, the area slipped into the unknown. After the farce that was Great Leighs, which went into administration after losing its licence, this new track has been a breath of fresh air for the surrounding area and everyone involved with the racing.

The arena can hold 10,000 people and was built at a price of £20 million, a big gamble which, at present, looks likely to be successful. This new track will benefit the trainers that reside in Wales, many of whom are young and look set to go to the top of training ranks. The most established Welsh trainer is Peter Bowen, who has plundered many big races over the jumps and sets a good target for his fellow countrymen and women to aim at. However, handlers such as Evan Williams, Tim Vaughan and Alison Thorpe have made a big splash in the racing pool over the past years and look sure to keep improving as their stock of horses increases. Ffos Las is a further indication that Wales is and will continue to be an important cog in the British Horseracing Authority's wheel.

Ffos Las held its first Flat meeting only yesterday but it received glowing praise from jockeys, trainers, owners and racegoers alike. Even though heavy rainfall arrived overnight, the going was still described as good, indicating just how good the drainage is at the course. Many jockeys were surprised (in a good way) just how well the course handled the conditions and the trainers were just as pleased. Charlie Hills, assistant and son of legend Barry, shared his opinions, stating: "Dad came and walked around the track before it opened and he thought it was top class. It does look a beautiful racecourse and is a lovely, flat track." Further testimony to Ffos Las' quality was touched on by Hills' son, jockey Michael. He said: "I'm very impressed as the track rides beautifully and I would have no qualms about riding a very good horse here." It would be no shock if the track were to be gained a good Listed race, dare I say maybe a Group race, in the near future.

It looks set to be a massive hit for the racing industry, which has had its reputation tarnished in recent weeks by trainer suspensions, racetrack incidents and corruption. With the reviews sparkling and the action glittering, a toast should be raised to Walters for making the idea a reality and to Ffos Las itself for bringing horse racing something to smile about. The track's official opening ceremony is to be staged on 28th August, you can blink, you won't miss it.

Preview - Sandown

With the sun still shining gloriously, this seven-race meeting looks sure to deliver action sizzling with excitement and drama. The feature is the Coral Eclipse over 10 furlongs and it promises to be a fascinating encounter.

The first race underlines the quality of the afternoon and is the Group 3 Coral Charge, ran over 5f. Forecast favourite is Triple Aspect and he deserves to be at the head of the market judged on his recent form. He notched his second course and distance win just over two weeks ago and won impressively by two lengths, made even better considering he was badly outpaced early on and had to carry a penalty after his win in France. Owned by Harry Findlay and trained by William Haggas, he has conditions to suit and should make a bold bid to improve the good recent record of three-year-olds in the race. Ialysos is an interesting contender now dropped in grade after disappointed in the Golden Jubilee Stakes last time out. He was previously eight races unbeaten after arriving from Greece and then winning on his debut for Luca Cumani at Haydock but could not handle the rough nature of the Group 1-rated contest. Cumani believes he will be much better off back in grade and hopes that this serves as a confidence booster. He looks sure to return to form with Cristophe Lemaire in the saddle. Anglezarke is aiming to build on her huge run at Ascot last time out, where she finished third behind Scenic Blast in the Kings Stand Stakes. Despite being a big price, she beat some good horses but lacked the class of the impressive winner. She has been holding her form well and was only a neck behind Ialysos at Haydock, hinting that it possible that she may reverse the form with the 'Greek Freak'. Lower down in the betting are standing dishes in these races, but who look up against it. These include Captain Gerrard, Judd Street and Masta Plasta, who all need to improve to feature here.

The Coral Challenge comes shortly after and it lives up to its name, looking very difficult to fathom. Mirrored has a good chance based on his massive run in the Brittania Stakes at Ascot, where he finished two short-heads third, even though he was first in his group on the far side. He looks a pregressive animal and despite going up another 6lbs in the handicap, he ought to go close to adding a second course and distance win under Ryan Moore. Alfathaa ran a big race on his seasonal debut in the Royal Hunt Cup, eventually finishing seventh. It was a good effort based on his lack of race fitness and he had some smart form as a two-year-old. If he has trained on, he could improve on his current mark of 102. Huzzah finished second in the Royal Hunt Cup, only two lengths behind the winner, who looks a Group performer in waiting. He has been a consistent sort for Barry Hills and looks set to run well again. A number of alternatives linger in the line-up, such as Roman Republic for the in-form Mark Johnston team. He failed to give his running at Ascot and finished eight places behind Mirrored, but it is too soon to be writing him off.

The big race, the Coral Eclipse, takes centre stage shortly after 3pm and Sea The Stars looks to have a huge chance to add to his awesome haul of Group 1s already this season. After winning the 2,000 Guineas, he went to Epsom and hacked up in the Derby. He won very easily that day and showed to everyone just how special he is and he can further their beliefs today. The form of his wins this year stacks up impressively. Mastercraftsman, who finished behind him at Newmarket, has gone on to win the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James' Palace Stakes in good style and Fame And Glory, runner-up in the Derby, went on to romp home in the Irish equivalent just two weeks ago. He has a superb turn of foot which will hold him in good stead over this trip and he may too much finishing pace for his opposition. He is also getting 11lbs from the older horses in the race, a huge plus for Mick Kinane's mount. John Oxx has been patient with his charge and has always said he needs fast ground to perform, and with that present, it will take a good one to beat him. Conduit only just failed to win on his seasonal reappearance, where he was beaten a nose in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes by Cima De Triomphe, whom he re-opposes today. Conduit, a classic winner after his St Leger win last season, has to give weight to Sea The Stars but is a classy horse in his own right. After winning well at Doncaster, giving trainer Sir Michael Stoute his first winner in the race, he went to Santa Anita to contest the Breeders' Cup Turf over 1m 4f. He was ridden confidently by Ryan Moore and swooped late to land the spoils. He has a good turn of foot and is sure to stay every inch of this trip so if any is to trouble the favourite, Conduit may be the one. Rip Van Winkle has been a hype horse for trainer Aidan O'Brien and has finished behind Sea The Stars twice this season. He has been running on strongly however, indicating that this stiff track may play to his strengths. Jimmy Fortune takes over from the banned Johnny Murtagh and Rip Van Winkle will have no excuses with conditions to suit. Cima De Triomphe will do well to beat Conduit again after his narrow win last time out. He is an interesting contender but may lack the class of Sea The Stars.

A Listed Fillies race follows and Sir Michael Stoute has an interesting runner in Strawberrydaiquiri, who won a modest a Windsor maiden on her last start. Even though her opposition was average, she still won with plenty in hand and deserves this step up in class. She looks set to go off a short price and may well prove worth risking, despite her inexperience. Her trainer has a good record in the race and will go close to building on it. Wadaat is down in class after a disappointing effort in the Oaks at Epsom in June. She is fully exposed and drops back to a mile after struggling to prove effective over further. Beat Seven has to improve on the form shown this season to feature. She finished off her juvenile season well, running some good races in defeat. However, she has lacked that same zest this term and her trainer could be in better form. Young Americans is an intriguing runner for Marco Botti. She is unbeaten after one race and is an import from Italy. Botti is a shrewd operator and only enters horses in this grade if he believes they perform with credit, so this filly needs a check in the market.

Another Listed race comes after and is to be ran over 2m. Judgethemoment aims to win his fourth consecutive race after winning the Ascot Stakes in good fashion, even though that was over 4f extra. He is a dour stayer and is just as effective at this trip. He is a worthy favourite and will be staying on at the finish. Gravitation had some very good form last season and if back to anywhere close to that, ought to win. However, he ran a shocker on his seasonal debut but may be given another chance now fit after that run. Desert Sea ran well on his previous start, where he finished behind Daraahem in the Chester Cup in May. He is fresh enough for this run and is another runner with sound claims. Wells Lyrical has yet to win over this trip but has gone mighty close on his last two runs. He finished a length by Som Tala in last weekend's Northumberland Plate and if over those exertions, may again run with credit. Amerigo has so far disappointed this season but with trainer Michael Jarvis now in better form, he may be ready to strike.

Another handicap follows and it looks a trappy affair. Maswerte appreciated the switch to turf on his seasonal debut and he won easily at Newbury. He has gone up 6lbs for that success but looks progressive enough to prove better than that. Santefisio is very interesting after two good efforts this season. He surprised everyone when winning a Newbury maiden at odds of 100/1 but proved that win to be no fluke when only just failing on his last start. He stayed every yard of the 7f that day on to lose out to Cyflymder, of whom he has 12lbs in hand on. Cyflymder has won three races already this season and has gone up another 4lbs as a result. He is in good form but will need to improve again to win this. The market will be crucial in this race as there are many unexposed types in the race, such as Floor Show, who ran well last time out and with his trainer in form, may feature under Ted Durcan.

The last race is another tough puzzle to solve and again the betting will shape the opinion of the contest. Raaeidd ran well at York last time, where he finished behind an improving type, who has since go on to run well at the Royal meeting at Ascot. He has gone up 2lbs for that but looks the type to improve throughout the season. Senses won well over course and distance on his last start and has been given a mark of 78, which looks within his compass. He needed the full 10 furlongs that day and will be staying on again. Tiger Flash contests his first handicap after being a beaten over this trip at Leicester on his previous start. He may improve now switched to this discipline.

Selections:

2:05 - Ialysos

2:40 - Mirrored

3:15 - Sea The Stars

3:45 - Strawberrydaiquiri

4:20 - Wells Lyrical

4:55 - Santefisio

5:30 - Senses

Results:

2:05 - 1st - Ialysos, 9/2, 2nd - Triple Aspect, 13/8 fav, 3rd - Masta Plasta, 11/1.

2:40 - 1st - Acrostic, 7/1, 2nd - Crackdown, 10/1, 3rd - Mirrored, 9/2 fav.

3:15 - 1st - Sea The Stars, 4/7 fav, 2nd - Rip Van Winkle, 11/2, 3rd - Conduit, 9/2.

3:45 - 1st - Strawberrydaiquiri, 6/5 fav, 2nd - Say No Now, 6/1, 3rd - Wadaat, 11/2.

4:20 - 1st - Desert Sea, 7/2, 2nd - Victoria Montoya, 6/1, 3rd - Wells Lyrical, 5/1.

4:55 - 1st - Cyflymder, 5/1, 2nd - Maswerte, 15/8 fav, 3rd - Santifisio, 8/1.

5:30 - 1st - Sandor, 9/1, 2nd - Nbhan, 11/2, 3rd - Call It On, 7/1.

Preview - Royal Ascot - Day Five

The last day of this historic meeting and the main race is the Golden Jubilee Stakes, a Group 1 sprint. Alongside comes a Group 2 and the notoriously tricky Wokingham handicap.

The first race on the final day is the Listed Chesham Stakes over 7f. Limited to two-year-olds, it contains many some impressive maiden impressive, none more so that Aerodynamic. He is highly regarded by his trainer Pat Eddery and won in the style of a smart colt on his debut at Nottingham last week. He travelled very well throughout and even though he met trouble in running, he still had enough in reserve to win and is better than the bare form suggests. He has a lot on natural speed but is also bred stay further than a mile so has all the right characteristics to go well here. Pat Smullen takes the ride and having been expected to make huge improvement from his first start, he will go close. Beethoven represents Aidan O'Brien, and despite not having won a race, should go well now he has experience under his belt. He was beaten on his debut at York, albeit by an impressive winner, and was fancied to win on his next start, but was narrowly denied by a previous winner. He should go well. Emporer Claudius, also from Ballydoyle, shed his maiden tag last time out in good style and has the services of Ryan Moore. On pedigree, he will stay further than this but could make the frame. Mark Johnston has three horses in the line-up. Shakespearean won nicely on debut last time, Bikini Babe bolted up on her last start and Step In Time stayed on well to win at Newmarket.

The Hardwicke Stakes over a mile and a half sees Doctor Fremantle up against some smart horses. Sir Michael Stoute's four-year-old finished fourth in last year's Derby and narrowly won the Huxley Stakes over 12 furlongs last time out. He is better suited over this trip and looks sure to give it his best shot. Camponologist was a winner at this meeting last season and may trouble the favourite most. He made all that day and similar tactics may be employed by Frankie Dettori. Bronze Cannon won nicely at Newmarket in May, where he beat Casual Conquest over this trip. He is a tough stayer and should make the frame.

The feature race on the card is the Golden Jubilee Stakes and JJ The Jet Plane will go close. Representing Mike De Kock and Kevin Shea, he won his prep race at Windsor in fine style, where he was giving some good rivals lots of weight. He is a speedy five-year-old and his trainer has aimed him at this after some good wins in Dubai. He looks set to go well. Sacred Kingdom, a winner of 12 of his 18 races, is a rapid speedball who is a danger to all. He has done most of his winning at Sha Tin but his trainer expects him to go well. There are also many other fast types in the line up, such as Kingsgate Native, winner of this last year, Ialysos, for Luca Cumani who is unbeaten and Kings Apostle, an admirable sort who will run a good race.

The Wokingham handicap takes place shortly after and looks very difficult to solve. Ran over 6f, the two that are of interest are Jimmy Styles and High Standing, who both won on their last starts. Jimmy Styles, held in high regard by Clive Cox, won well at Newmarket and is up 6lbs in the weights. He is an improving sort and drawn in stall one, ought to go well. High Standing is another improving sort and is chasing a hat-trick after easy wins at Doncaster and Goodwood. He has a good turn of foot and appreciates firm ground so under Ryan Moore can be expected to go well. Genki is interesting for Roger Charlton after a good run behind JJ The Jet Plane at Windsor last time. He has a good draw in 10 and is lightly raced. His mark of 95 looks fair and at a nice price could make the frame.

Another very tricky race, the Duke Of Edinburgh over 1m 4f. It looks wide open and a solid selection cannot be given with many in with chances. Crackentorp should go well along with Hatton Flight, a winner of his last three races. A good each-way bet would be Inventor for Brian Meehan, who ran well on his last start and could make the frame.

The final race of the meeting is a stamina test, the Queen Alexandra over 2m 5f. Amerigo stays well and is likely favourite, but has to overcome some after some lacklustre runs. He ran well in the Chester Vase, finishing two lengths in fifth. He may have needed the run and is entitled to do better today. Nicky Henderson has old stalwart Carraciola and Tasheba in the line-up and they have good chances. Caracciola won a Listed contest at York two weeks ago and has a big heart. Tasheba is interesting after some good performances over hurdles this winter. He stays all day and under Richard Hughes, has a good chance. Amongst them are some dour stayers, most notably, Halla San, for Richard Fahey, who may make the frame.

Ascot Day Five - Selections:

- 2:30 - Aerodynamic.

- 3:05 - Doctor Fremantle.

- 3:45 - JJ The Jet Plane.

- 4:25 - Jimmy Styles.

- 5:00 - Inventor, e/w.

- 5:35 - Tasheba.

Ascot Day Five - Results:

2:30 - 1st - Big Audio, 22/1.

3:05 - 1st - Bronze Cannon, 8/1.

3:45 - 1st - Art Connisseur, 20/1.

4:20 - 1st - High Standing, 6/1.

5:00 - 1st - Drill Sargeant, 14/1.

5:35 - 1st - Caraciolla, 6/1.

Preview - Royal Ascot - Day Four

After a monumentous third day, made by Yeats' amazing fourth Royal Ascot Gold Cup, the penultimate day has a lot to live up. Nevertheless, we are treated to another four Group races, with the feature being the Coronation Stakes, in which three 1,000 Guineas go head-to-head.

The Albany Stakes, a Group three for fillies over 6f, gets the ball rolling and it looks set to be a battle between Ireland and America. Aidan O'Brien has the exciting Lillie Langtry in the line-up, but she must overcome Wesley Ward's speedy Aegean if she is to prevail. Lillie Langtry impressed many when she romped to victory on her last start. She was beaten soundly by Kitty Kiernan on her debut at Naas in May, but when the pair re-opposed at the same venue just two weeks later, Lillie Langtry improved significantly from her first run and won in the style of a useful filly. That race was won by last year's winner Cuis Ghaire so has some bearing on this race. With Johnny Murtagh banned for the final two days, Seamus Heffernan takes the ride. The Yanks have had two good winners this week and Ward believes Aegean is the best of his squad that has travelled over so she is worth huge respect. She is unbeaten in two starts and has solid form since she gave a length beating to subsequent Queen Mary winner Jealous Again, who bolted up by five lengths two days ago. She has been well backed and will try and burn all her rivals off, even though she has it prove now running on turf for the first time. Chachamaidee made a very pleasing debut and won very nicely for Tom Queally, but Henry Cecil's inexperienced filly is up in grade and must make improvement to trouble the market principles. The same applies for Sweet Sonnet, representing Godolphin. She was slowly away on debut but made up ground to snatch victory in the final 100 yards at York, but this looks like a huge gulf in class. Kurtanella, from the Richard Hannon stable who have been in fine form this week, needs to improve from her maiden win but improvement cannot be ruled out.

The Group two King Edward VII Stakes over a mile and a half gets underway half an hour later and Derby flop Black Bear Island looks to continue his progression before his trip to Epsom. He won the Dante Stakes at York after staying on in superb style to wear down his stablemate, Freemantle, who did nothing for the form when being soundly beaten yesterday. Black Bear Island was a live fancy for the Epsom showpiece but he failed to handle the testing undulations and he finished a long way behind the leading pack. A much better performance can be expected today and he will go close. South Easter has a big chance based on his Group three win at Chester in May. He went into that race an unknown quantity after finishing second at Newbury on debut and he produced a small shock despite being well fancied. He is up two furlongs today but the trip should be within range and he has a good attitude, accounting for many at this level. Native Ruler is another hoping to build on his encouraging run in the Dante, where he stayed in good style. He looks the type to get better with experience and he could well be in the frame. Aqwaal won nicely at Newbury on his previous start and comes here off the back of three wins. His best form has come on softer ground which would be a worry and he is up in trip today, it would be unwise to rule out improvement just yet. Debussy ran a huge race in the Derby on his last start and stayed the trip okay, but may have to improve again to trouble some unexposed rivals. Free Agent and Father Time have both been slightly disappointing and have it to prove.

The fillies take centre stage in the Coronation Stakes and it looks a very competitive renewal with three 1,000 Guineas in the line-up. Ghanaati is a deserved favourite after a clear-cut success in the English 1,000 Guineas in May, where she beat some highly regarded rivals. She went into the race unsupported and without a run on turf, but she took classic glory and she could well follow up here with conditions to suit. Ghanaati looks a fair price and will go close for Richard Hills. Elusive Wave makes the journey over from France and has won five of her six starts, most notably in the French 1,000 Guineas last time out. She made all the running that day and did not see a rival as she held on by half a length. This filly used to be trained by Richard Hannon but she was sent to Jean-Claude Rouget and has not looked back. With her trainer in fine form, she is expected to run a big race. Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Again lines up after giving her trainer David Wachman his first classic victory in the Classic a month ago. Well supported for the race, she won by a neck on ground soft enough for her and her class saw her through. Even though a winner on fast ground, she has all her best form on a soft surface and she may be up against it here. Rainbow View makes a quick reappearance after a pleasing performance in the Oaks at Epsom. Dropped back to a mile here, she may appreciate it as she has looked stretched over further this season. She was a disappointing favourite in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket but ran a better ran in the Oaks, being denied a clear passage at a vital stage. She is a course and distance winner having won the Meon Valley Stud Stakes here as a two-year-old and she looks sure to make the frame under Jimmy Fortune.

The fourth race looks very difficult to solve and contains many old rivals doing battle yet again. A Listed race over 1m 2f, Ed Dunlop's Stone of Scone is forecast favourite and has ran well at the trip this season. He needs to cut to be at his best so this fast surface is a worry but he stays well and could go well. Moonquake has Stone of Scone back in third when winning a handicap at York last time out. He stayed on strongly to lead that day and with similar conditions, he will run well for Frankie Dettori. Re Barolo will go well for trainer Marco Botti and jockey Christophe Lemaire. He won a Listed contest on the all-weather in February and has ran well in defeat this season. On his last start, he ran a blinder over this trip in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar in May and stays well. He looks a good each-way bet. There are a long list of horses with chances, including Salute Him and Baron De'L, who travel over from Ireland, and Perfect Stride, who was beaten at Goodwood in a competitive race when last seen.

Another Group three, the Queen's Vase over 2m, gets underway afterwards and it contains many unexposed horses. Dhushan is favourite and looks to have a good chance based on his easy maiden win at Chepstow over 1m 4f, where he made all the running and pulled clear of a good opponent with having to be fully extended. He looks sure to stay the extra four furlongs and even though inexperienced having only had two runs in his career, he is very intresting and may make the running again under Philip Robinson. Mastery represents Saaed Bin Suroor and carries a penalty after his win in the Irish Derby. He stays well and may make the frame. Mark Johnston has two in the race, Sabotage and Holberg. Sabotage won his maiden in easy fashion, winning by six lengths eased down over a mile and a half, he could be anything and is a good each-way bet. Holberg is a tough sort but looks up against it here. Yankee Doodle represent Aidan O'Brien and has stamina in abundance so will go well here, as will Stately Home, from the same stable, who was beaten by a good one on his last run.

A devilish handicap rounds up the day and it looks tough to solve. With so many alternatives, it is hard to make a solid selection. Something is interesting based on his old form and he looked unlucky not to win last time at Epsom. He has raced off higher marks in the past and deserves to land a nice race so today may be the day. He found lots of trouble at Epsom, and beaten a length, probably should have won without the traffic problems. Trainer Dandy Nicholls is in good form and he should go well at a nice price. Mutheeb looks to have a very stiff mark so is overlooked and Seasider is interesting for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore. He has a mark of 85 and could be well in if good enough. Redford is classy but his mark is fairly high and he has his best form on soft ground. Mister Hardy is chasing a four-timer but has gone up a lot in the weights and will have to improve.

Ascot Day Four - Selections:

- 2:30 - Lillie Langtry, 6/4.

- 3:05 - South Easter, 11/2.

- 3:45 - Ghanaati, 5/2.

- 4:20 - Re Barolo, e/w at 10/1.

- 4:55 - Dhushan, 3/1.

- 5:30 - Something, e/w at 10/1.

Ascot Day Four - Results:

- 2:30 - 1st - Habaayib, 16/1, 2nd - Lillie Langtry, 11/8 fav, 3rd - Chachamaidee, 16/1.

Habaayib produced a very taking performance to win by a length and half from the well-backed Lillie Langtry. After winning her maiden at Nottingham in fine style, her connections were unsure which race to go for this week, however they plumped for this and the decision paid off. After travelling well for most of the journey, always along the inside the rail, she quickened up well when asked by Richard Hills and was always holding Lillie Langtry inside the final furlong. Aidan O'Brien's filly put up a good performance back in second, showing improving from her win last time out. She was always prominent under Seamus Heffernan and quickened up well to chase the leader. Even though she stayed on with some purpose, she could never muster enough to pass the winner and she looks a nice prospect for next season. Chachamaidee ran superbly on just second career start and was only two lengths behind the leading pair. She looked good when winning her maiden and improved to make the frame here, she is another interesting filly for next year. American fancy Aegean ran no race and weakened out of it after setting a solid pace. Kurtanella was brought down at half-way after suffering interference.

- 3:05 - 1st - Father Time, 9/1, 2nd - Your Old Pal, 14/1, 3rd - Black Bear Island, 9/2.

Father Time moved stylishly through the race and stayed on well to score by four lengths. He was up in trip today after running well in the Lingfield Derby Trial but he was expected to win last time out, only to come second. He was given a super ride by a confident Eddie Ahern and he was travelling the best with four to go. Once he was asked to lengthen he did so and gave trainer Henry Cecil yet another winner at the Royal meeting. Your Old Pal stayed on stoutly to get second, afte being at the back all the way before making headway up the rail. Black Bear Island was weak in the betting but ran a good race to finish third. He is an improver and may get compensation. South Easter was supported into 7/2 but when looking likely to make a telling move he was cut up and all momentum was lost. He didn't seem to stay the trip. Debussy made the running but was another to weaken up the run in. Native Ruler was fancied but could only plug on, a way behind his winning stable-mate.

- 3:45 - 1st - Ghanaati, 2/1 fav, 2nd - Reggane, 9/1, 3rd - Rainbow View, 13/2.

Ghanaati put in a performance of the highest order and prove her Guineas win to be no fluke. Her trainer and jockey expected her to go close, especially as she had improved physically from her Newmarket win. She was well backed beforehand and was always settled in third. With four furlongs to go, her confident parter, Richard Hills wanted to get closer to the leader and made up the ground in a matter of strides. She lengthened very impressively and was not seriously asked throughout. She is now worth a fortune and we may see her out again before the season is up. Reggane ran on nicely but finished two lengths behind the leader. Rainbow View was held up in last place for most of the trip but made eyecatching late headway. She never threatened but ran on again, as she has done this season in her other races, and she may win another race. Elusive Wave got upset in the preliminaries beforehand and jinked when Ghanaati ranged up alongside, she was disappointing. Again never featured under Ryan Moore.

- 4:20 - 1st - Perfect Stride, 8/1, 2nd - Moonquake, 11/2, 3rd - Salute Him, 10/1, 4th - Re Barolo, 14/1.

Perfect Stride battled on gamely to give Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore another Royal Ascot winner. He was always prominent and was under pressure as the leader Moonquake was travelling well. As Frankie Dettori's mount went for home, Perfect Stride found more and edged past the Godolphin runner to score by half a length. Salute Him was staying on late, as was Re Barolo who was in last place for a long way. He was motoring inside the last furlong but was not close enough to trouble the first two. Favourite Stone Of Scone never featured and wants softer ground.

Preview - Royal Ascot - Day Three

More action-packed entertainment guaranteed on Day Three after two days of high-class racing. The feature race of the day is the Ascot Gold Cup, where Yeats is bidding to become the first horse in history to win the race for the fourth time. This is sandwiched in between two Group 2s, a Listed race and two very trappy handicaps.

Opening Day Three is the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes, run over 5f. Likely favourite is Monsieur Chevalier from the in-form yard of Richard Hannon. He is unbeaten in four starts, lately winning the National Stakes at Sandown in impressive fashion and it will take a seriously good horse to lower his colours here. He is well fancied by his connections and the better the class of opposition, the better he looks. After Wesley Ward's heroics on the first two days, his Yogaroo deserves huge respect. A massive flood of money came in for this speedy individual after his stablemate won the Queen Mary Stakes yesterday and caused some bookmakers to cut his price to as short as 2/1. Radiohead would be a good each-way bet after winning very easily at Bath last time, as would Tawaabb, even though they would have to improve a good deal to trouble Monsieur Chevalier.

The second race is the Ribblesdale Stakes and Sir Michael Stoute's Leocorno is likely to take all the beating over a mile and a half. She is unbeaten in two starts and was due to go for the Oaks at Epsom but connections changed tact and decided to come here. She was exceptional last time out, pulling well clear of her field at Sandown before being eased down in the last half furlong to score by five lengths. She is expected to go well for Ryan Moore and even though inexperienced, looks a very classy filly. Take The Hint won the Pretty Polly Stakes in good style last time out and has a live chance. She has solid form but lacks the potential of Leocorno. July Jasmine, runner-up to subsequent Oaks second Midday in the Lingfield Oaks Trial, has good each-way possibilities. She will appreciate this step up in trip but her stable look to have a better chance with the favourite.

As mentioned earlier, Yeats is bidding to win his fourth consecutive Ascot Gold Cup, ran over 2m4f, and has been well supported to achieve this historic feat. He was bitterly disappointing on his seasonal debut at Navan and has not been seen since, but trainer Aidan O'Brien is bound to have him spot on for this and he will give it his best shot. He was mightily impressive in this race last year and now an eight-year-old, will have to be in peak condition to fight off some dogged rivals. The revitalised Geordieland, twice runner-up in this behind Yeats, will aim to turn the tables on his old enemy as he comes into the race fresh from a win over Patkai at Sandown. He stayed on dourly that day to score by five lengths and his trainer believes he will go close. Patkai was a long-time favourite for this race after Yeats' disappointment at Navan but he was soundly beaten last time out. He stays all day and is very classy but will have to be at his very best to overcome the battle-hardened Yeats.

Shortly after comes the 30-runner Britannia Stakes, over a mile. It looks very tough to solve and runners will need luck in running. Desert Creek won easily at Haydock on his last start but has gone up 10lbs for that and it will be no easy task for him here. He looks very progressive but his price looks too short for a race like this. Roman Republic, held in high regard by Mark Johnston, was entered in the Listed contest, to be ran 30 minutes after this, but connections have decided to go for this. He won nicely up at Doncaster on his last start, and even though that was on soft ground, he has solid each-way claims. Brief Encounter ran on late to snatch victory at York in May and improvement should be expected now he is upped in trip to a mile. He has gone up 7lbs in the weights but is just one of many who may feature here. Invisible Man finally shed his maiden tag last time out and has been given a mark of 85, which looks stiff based on his previous efforts. Mirrored has improved as a three-year-old and has landed two handicaps already this season. He is progressive and should go well at a big price.

The penultimate race on the card is the Listed Hampton Court Palace Stakes and Aidan O'Brien has hot favourite Freemantle in the line-up. He was only just beaten by Black Bear Island in the Dante Stakes at York on his last start and that piece of form is the best in the race. His trainer resisted the temptation to go for the Derby with him and his patience may pay dividends, he is likely to make all under Johnny Murtagh and if he stays on as well as he did last time, he should win. Four Winds has run well in two starts this year and he got his head in front at Newmarket last time in good style. The Queen-owned runner is a nice type and should run into a place. Glass Harmonium was once touted as a Derby horse but his connections have chosen to go here instead. He ran behind Delegator in the Craven Stakes on his seasonal debut but found the longer trip much more to his liking when finishing a close-up sixth in the Dante last time. He is bred to appreciate middle-distances and he will go well for Ryan Moore. Monitor Closely has ran two good races in defeat this season, in the 2,000 Guineas in May and then in the Dante. He is improving with each race and with his stable now in better form, he may make the frame.

The final race of the day looks very tricky and contains eight last-time-out winners. Ran over 1m 4f, the King George V Stakes often throws up some big-priced winners and this year's race may do the same. John Oxx enters Zarinski, who won his first race over this trip last time out on the all-weather in Ireland and it is very interesting that his shrewd trainer sends him here. He looks sure to go well. Aidan O'Brien enters Johann Zoffany, a recent Derby entry, and he may feature after winning nicely last time. O'Brien hands the ride to his son Joseph and his 7lb claim will be a big advantage. Opinion Poll, up 7lbs for his recent win at Haydock over this trip, has sound claims for Michael Jarvis and Frankie Dettori. Mark Johnston and Sir Michael Stoute have both won this race three times during the past 10 years and they have entries with chances. Johnston enters four, but Quai D'Orsay looks his first-string and under Joe Fanning may improve on his win last time out. Stoute has Highland Glen, a lightly-raced colt who flopped on heavy ground at Haydock on his previous start. There are many each-way alternatives but Barwell Bridge looks interesting after staying on well to win a competitive York handicap in May. He is up two furlongs here and that may bring out more improvement so looks a good each-way bet at a good price.

Ascot Day Three - Selections:

- 2:30 - Monsieur Chevalier, 11/8.

- 3:05 - Leocorno, 7/4.

- 3:45 - Yeats, 2/1.

- 4:20 - Roman Republic, e/w at 9/1.
- Mirrored, e/w at 18/1.

- 4:55 - Freemantle, 6/5.

- 5:30 - Johann Zofanny, 8/1.
- Barwell Bridge, e/w at 14/1.

Ascot Day Three - Results:

- 2:30 - 1st - Radiohead, 10/1, 2nd - Reignier, 50/1, 3rd - Tawaabb.

Radiohead improved significantly from his win in maiden company last time out to win comfortably for Jamie Spencer. He overcame serious trouble in running as Wesley Ward's Yogaroo gave a hefty bump to both the winner and Monsieur Chevalier with two furlongs to go. Spencer went for a run up the rail on Brian Meehan's colt and found his passage blocked as the American horse veered across, but his calm jockey did not flinch and he ran on strongly to score by an easy two lengths, he is a smart prospect. Reignier ran a huge race in second and Tawaabb ran on in to take third. The well-fancied market leaders struggled to land a blow. Monsieur Chevalier came to win his race but was bumped by Yogaroo, who weakened out of it, and could not go on as the leader surged clear.

- 3:05 - 1st - Flying Cloud, 5/1, 2nd - Flame Of Gibraltar, 12/1, 3rd - Uvinza.

Flying Cloud maintained her unbeaten record and scored on her first start for Goldophin since moving from France. As big as 10/1 in the morning, she was well backed and won in the style of a very good filly, powering away to win by four lengths under Frankie Dettori. Flame Of Gibraltar stepped up to the mark on only her third career start. She shed her maiden tag last time out and was up in class here, but ran a huge race in second and looks up to winning a Group race. Uvinza was another to bely her big odds to run a superb race. She has been a credit to her connections and kept plugging away to get third. Favourite Leocorno was uneasy in the betting and she failed to show her true ability. She didn't seem to stay this trip and is sure to be dropped in distance.

- 3:45 - 1st - Yeats, 6/4 fav, 2nd - Patkai, 9/2, 3rd - Geordieland, 11/4.

Yeats rewrote the history books and won his fourth consecutive Ascot Gold Cup, putting up a tremendous performance. He came into the race without a run, after disappointing on his seasonal debut, but there were no signs of any doubt as he stormed to a three length success. Under the exceptional Johnny Murtagh, he took the lead with three furlongs to run and took four lengths out the field. He galloped on relentlessly to score for Aidan O'Brien and has to be one of the best stayers ever to grace the game. Patkai ran well in second, pulling 10 lengths clear of Geordieland, but could not match the winner's superior stamina. Geordieland ran a laboured race in third and did not build on win against the runner-up last time out.

- 4:20 - 1st - Fareer, 20/1, 2nd - Secret Society, 22/1, 3rd - Mirrored, 16/1, 4th, Espiritu, 20/1.

A thrilling finish with the first four being covered by half a length as the runners spread across the track. Fareer came with a late run to collar Secret Society to win by a head. He challenged late down the outside under Richard Hills to score for trainer Ed Dunlop. Secret Society ran on gamely after taking the lead a furlong out but he could not hold on. Mirrored stepped up on his previous form to run a huge race under Mick Kinane. He ran on gallantly and was only a short-head behind the runner-up. Espiritu improved from his maiden win last time out and the application of headgear seemed to help him. Brief Encounter, Roman Republic and Desert Creek all struggled to land a blow and finished down the field.

- 4:55 - 1st - Glass Harmonium, 8/1, 2nd - Cashelgar, 20/1, 3rd - Monitor Closely, 15/2.

Glass Harmonium stayed on powerfully for Ryan Moore to wear down Cashelgar and win going away. He had good form coming into the race and his connections decision to skip the Derby were vindicated as he gained his Listed win. Cashelgar took the lead in the final furlong after travelling strongly but was passed by the winner, however, he dug in and rallied, but found the winner too good. Monitor Closely ran a good race in third and he is a model of consistency, having ran creditably on all his starts this term. He deserves compensation. Freemantle was disappointing in the circumstances and did not improve from his Dante run as expected. He was well-backed but did not produce the goods for his strong connections. Four Winds finished down the field and did not stay convincingly.

- 5:30 - 1st - Cosmic Sun, 66/1, 2nd - Chiberta King, 8/1, 3rd - Barwell Bridge, 12/1, 4th, Zarinski, 9/2 fav.

A real turn up for the books as Cosmic Sun produced a real shock to hold off all challengers. He approached the race after a poor run last time but improved considerably. He was 3lbs out the handicap but he won well in the end, taking the lead inside the final furlong and staying on well. Chiberta King came into the race chasing a hat-trick but could not find more for pressure to overcome Cosmic Sun. He ran a good race for William Buick and is obviously on the upgrade. Barwell Bridge handled the step in trip well and stayed on well for James Doyle. He looked likely to challenge the winner but he could only muster the one pace, he is another on the improve. Zarinski was well backed for this but he could not sustain a serious effort to trouble the first three. This was his first start in a handicap so he did well and may win a nice race in the future. Highland Glen and Opinion Poll were too far back to land a blow and plugged on in the straight. Johann Zoffany was on the outside for most of the way so when he moved sweetly into contention, it was no suprise to see him weaken with three furlongs to go as his earlier exertions took their toll.

Preview - Royal Ascot - Day Two

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Preview - Royal Ascot - Day One

Flat Racing's biggest week is here and the action, lasting five days, looks sure to be full of excitement and drama. Day One is crammed full of Group races, including three Group 1s, as well as a Group 2 and a Listed race.

The Group 1 Queen Anne over a mile opens the illustrious proceedings and Gladiatorus looks to have a guilt-edged opportunity based on his recent performances in Dubai. Last time out, he won the £200,000 Dubai Duty Free by three lengths under today's jockey, Ahmed Ajtebi, and had Group 1 winner Presvis back in second. Goldophin have such a good record at this meeting and he will go close to improving on that. He has some strong competition in the shape of Group 1 winner Paco Boy, who has to prove he stays a mile, and Main Aim, a recent Group 3 winner at Haydock over 7f.

Shortly after the opener comes the Group 1 King's Stand Stakes over 5f. This race looks set to be fast and furious and Amour Propre will need to be at his very best to overpower some tough sprinters. Henry Candy's bargain speedball won well last time out and heads the market, even though he faces strong opposition from the likes of the consistent Bordlescott and Fleeting Spirit.

The third race, yet another Group 1, sees the rematch between Mastercraftsman and English 2,000 Guineas runner-up Delegator in the St James's Palace Stakes over a mile. Mastercraftsman got the better of Delegator in the Irish 2,000 Guineas last time out and it promises to be a thrilling match-up now that Brian Meehan's colt is back on his preferred fast ground. Also in the line-up is Evasive, trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by Ryan Moore. He ran a big race in the English Guineas and was only four lengths behind subsequent Derby winner Sea The Stars.

The fourth race is the first two-year-old contest of the meeting and it sees the much-hyped Canford Cliffs put his lofty reputation on the line in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes over 6f. Canford Cliffs bolted up at Newbury on his debut, where he won by 7 lengths and his trainer believes this is his best chance of a winner at this year's meeting. It will be no walk in the park though as he has to fend off the challenges of some exciting prospects, with many unbeaten. Aidan O'Brien saddles Air Chief Marshal, and with the trainer's good recent record at the meeting, his presence would have to be respected, even though he must improve on all known form. Red Jazz has won both his starts to date and his win last time out at this course looks solid form, with the second, third and fourth all winning on their next starts. No Hubris was an easy winner of a York maiden on his debut and his trainer Paul Cole expects big things. There are many more unexposed colts in the line up but a good each-way bet would be Raine's Cross, who was flying home late at Sandown in the National Stakes to snatch third.

The fifth race looks very trappy and is a handicap, the 2m 4f Ascot Stakes. Willie Mullins sends Sesenta over from Ireland and fresh off the back of a hurdling campaign, he should go well for Seamus Heffernan. Last year's winner Missoula is lurking at the bottom and may feature along with Mark Johnston's dour stayer Keenes Day, who has been kept fresh for a crack at this following a win over 2m at Lingfield in April. Venetia Williams saddles Cheltenham Festival winner Kayf Aramis but after scoring by a wide margin at York in May, he was a costly flop at Goodwood shortly after.

The last race on a star-studded first day is the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes over 5f. It looks mighty tough to solve and contains many unexposed types, none more so than once-raced Angel's Pursuit for Richard Hannon. He was well supported on debut and delivered the goods in taking fashion; with that experience under his belt he should go well for Richard Hughes. George Baker, a twice-raced maiden, would be a comical winner for trainer George Baker and his namesake jockey, funnily enough, George Baker. A big danger may come from the Dandy Nicholls-trained Mr Mannanan, who won by 7 lengths on his last start and is highly regarded by his shrewd handler.

Ascot Day One - Selections:

- 2:30 - Gladiatorus, 9/4.

- 3:05 - Amour Propre, 3/1.

- 3:45 - Delegator, 4/1.

- 4:20 - Canford Cliffs, 7/4.
- Raine's Cross, e/w 20/1.

- 4:55 - Keene's Day, 7/1.

- 5:30 - Mr Mannanan, 9/2.

Ascot Day One - Results:

- 2:30 - 1st Paco Boy, 100/30, 2nd - Cesare, 11/1, 3rd - Aqlaam, 10/1.

Any doubts surrounding Paco Boy's ability to stay a true-run mile were well and truly silenced as Richard Hannon's talented colt routed his opposition. Gladiatorus set a furious pace but his exertions took their toll and he weakened into sixth, but with two furlongs to go and all but one jockey asking their mounts for maximum effort, Richard Hughes was motionless aboard Paco Boy. He asked him to go and win his race at the furlong marker and he bounded clear to score by two lengths. A terrific performance.

- 3:05 - 1st - Scenic Blast, 11/4 fav, 2nd - Fleeting Spirit, 7/2, 3rd - Anglezarke, 33/1.

Scenic Blast gave Australia a fourth victory in the race and announced himself one of world's leading sprinters. He was settled in last by jockey Stephen Arnold as a typical furious pace was set by last year's winner Equiano. As many began to struggle, Scenic Pass cruised up on the outside and was in front in matter of strides, probably getting to the front too soon. As fancied runners such as Amour Propre weakened down the field, the only challenger to the leader was last year's third Fleeting Spirit, who was flying at the finish but could not contain the impressive winner.

- 3:45 - 1st - Mastercraftsman, 5/6 fav, 2nd - Delegator, 4/1, 3rd - Lord Shanakill, 20/1.

An epic finish ensued as the expected rematch between Mastercraftsman and Delegator met up to its billing, with Aidan O'Brien's showing his determination to fight back and win by a neck. A fast pace was set by the winner's pacemaker and Johnny Murtagh had no choice but to take up the running with two furlongs to go. Mastercraftsman looked beaten at the furlong as Lord Shanakill came to challenge, but as Delegator edged ahead by half a length, it looked like Brian Meehan's charge would get a deserved win at the highest level. However, Murtagh conjured up a brilliant late surge from Mastercraftsman and he battled on gamely to land another Group 1.

- 4:20 - 1st - Canford Cliffs, 7/4 fav, 2nd - Xtension, 20/1, 3rd - Rakaan, 28/1.

Going into the race, Canford Cliffs had an almighty reputation to live up to as his trainer and jockey had stated that he was potentially a superstar. Their beliefs were vindicated as he ran away with a usually competitive race in scintillating style. He was much too free for Richard Hughes early on and just wanted to get on with things, and as soon as Hughes gave in to his demands, Canford Cliffs sprinted clear in the final furlong to win by six lengths and knock a second off the track record. It was obvious from a long way that the rest were playing for minor honours and Xtension improved from his debut win to snatch second from Rakaan.

- 4:55 - 1st - Judgethemoment, 13/2, 2nd - Sesenta, 10/1, 3rd - Royal Rationale, 20/1.

Judgethemoment gave Richard Hughes a first-day treble as he edged out Sesenta and Royal Rationale in a superb finish. He took up the running two furlongs out and kept finding for pressure, eventually being well on top at the line. Sesenta ran a good race in second and she will win soon. Keenes Day was backed into favouritism before the off and looked likely to win at the two furlong marker and he moved stylishly up to the leaders. He briefly took over but the trip seemed to strech his stamina and he weakened out of contention.

- 5:30 - 1st - Strike The Tiger, 33/1, 2nd - Fratellino, 33/1, 3rd - Di Stefano, 25/1.

Strike The Tiger pinged the gates and kept up a really fast pace all of the way to give American Wesley Ward his first winner at Royal Ascot. He was unfancied but nobody could pass him as he sprinted flat-out all the way. Fratellino ran a gallant race in second, being only a neck down at the line, and Di Stefano was flashing home late. Mr Mannanan could not keep pace and stayed on.

Preview - Epsom, 3:45 - Investec Derby (Group 1) 1m 4f

The biggest race in the horseracing calendar and one that has produced some extraordinary horses over the years. Last year's event was won by Jim Bolger's New Approach, who put in a terrific performance to put him up there with the best Derby winners in recent times, those being the emphatic Motivator and Aidan O'Brien's majestic Galileo. This year's race looks a top-class renewal and the market is lead by 2,000 Guineas winner Sea The Stars, closely followed by O'Brien's pair of Fame And Glory and Rip Van Winkle.

Sea The Stars is a deserved favourite after winning the Guineas in the style of a high-class horse. After winning the prestigious Group 2 Beresford Stakes on his final two-year-old start, he arrived at Newmarket with high expectations from his shrewd connections. He won in the manner of an extremely gifted individual under a confident Mick Kinane. After being up with the pace throughout, he showed a blistering turn of foot in the final furlong to clear away from runner-up Delegator, in the end winning with his ears pricked to suggest he had more in his locker. The vibes surrounding this half-brother to Classic-winning hero Galileo have been that he was always a Derby horse, but just happened to be good enough to win a Guineas, which is four furlongs short of this demanding stamina at Epsom. On pedigree, he looks sure to stay the distance and he is well built type who should handle the undulations at this unique course. His trainer John Oxx has only had two Derby runners, one was placed and he won this race in 2000 with Sinndar. He is rarely brings his horses over from Ireland unless they will be thereabouts, as highlighted by Sea The Stars' performance in the 2,000 Guineas. The ground is good and will be perfect for this exciting colt, who will be worth millions if he is able to produce a rare Classic double. At 3/1 he looks a good price, and with his class adding to his strapping physique and dangerous turn of foot, it would take a seriously good horse to deny him his second Classic victory this season.

Fame And Glory is unbeaten and represents Champion trainer Aidan O'Brien, who has six entries in this race. This son of Montjeu made his seasonal debut in the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown and produced a superb performance to win by a length. That win impressed many racewatchers and bookmakers and he was quickly cut to 5/2 favourite for the race. He arguably put in a career-best performance next time out in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trail Stakes, again at Leopardstown, where he annihilated his opposition to score by a widening five lengths. Both recent wins came over 1m 2f and he was not stopping at the finish in either race and these extra two furlongs will be well within reach. He has followed the same route as Galileo, who took this race in 2001, and there is every reason to believe this colt could be as good. He will relish the good ground and looks sure to run a huge race. He has been relatively weak in the market, mainly just to the Ballydoyle jockey bookings. Earlier on in the week, O'Brien's number one jockey Johnny Murtagh decided to partner Rip Van Winkle over Fame And Glory, causing many bookmakers to ease him out in the betting. Seamus Heffernan takes the mount instead and he is a more than adequate replacement; he also rode him last time out in the Derrinstown Stakes.

Rip Van Winkle has long been a talking horse at O'Brien's establishment but has so far yet to produce the goods when it comes to the track. He finished his two-year-old career at Newmarket, where he came seventh. He was well supported but was always too far back to land a blow, even though he was staying on towards the finish to be within two lengths of the leader. He made his seasonal debut in the 2,000 Guineas, won by Sea The Stars, and again failed to shine. He was expected to go close but could only muster a more than creditable fourth. He was only two lengths down and was finishing the race very strongly, suggesting that this trip of 1m 4f will be within range. Johnny Murtagh had the pick of the Ballydoyle sextet but after long deliberation, chose to partner this son of Galileo. He stated that he had a 'soft spot' for him and that he believed he had the potential to land a race like this. He has ability in abundance but can be a bit of a difficult ride. He is a colt of some potential and he will have been primed to run the race of his life. He has been well backed all week but unlike Sea The Stars who has proven form, Rip Van Winkle will need to improve to feature here. He will last the extra distance and will appreciate this quick ground, so improvement cannot be ruled out.

Gan Amhras represents last year's winning trainer and jockey of Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning. After coming a close second in the Goffs Million at the Curragh towards the end of last season, he made his seasonal debut in the 2,000 Guineas. His performance that day suggested that he would be far better suited to this longer trip and based on that evidence, is entitled to serious respect. He ran on to finish third, despite never looking likely to win having been up the pace throughout and could only plug on at the one pace. He has been well supported in to around 7/1 and if he can improve from his Newmarket run he could make the placings. He is also a son of Galileo and will stay the distance and will go on the ground.

Black Bear Island has a live each-way chance based on his recent Dante Stakes win at York. He made his seasonal debut in France but could only finish third, even though it a muddling affair run at a false pace. Like all of O'Brien's horses, he made significant improvement from his first run of the year and produced somewhat of a shock in York's registered Derby Trial, which has been a strong indicator in recent times and has produced three winners of the Derby in the past five years. He was ridden by Colm O'Donoghue that day and only just edged out stablemate Freemantle in a driving finish. He was settled in plum last throughout before coming with a strong challenge down the outside. He swept past all his rivals and won by a head, even though he was not stopping at the line. He will stay this extra distance and has solid claims at 8/1. This son of Sadler's Wells will be ridden by champion jockey Ryan Moore and he looks sure to give his trainer yet another chance to add more Classic glory to his already-bulging trophy cabinet.

O'Brien has two other horses in the line-up. Masterofthehorse will need to improve to win this but ran a good race in defeat in the Chester Vase last month. He was set too much to do that day and was staying on well inside the final furlong. The extra distance will suit but he may lack the class of the first four mentioned. Age Of Aquarius is still inexperienced having had only three runs, but he put in a gutsy performance to land the Lingfield Derby Trial last month. He was allowed to make the running that day but struggled to put daylight between himself and his rivals but once he was headed, he fought back in eye-catching style. Like Masterofthehorse, he may lack the class of his more fancied stablemates.

Only two English challenges in this year's Derby, those coming from Crowded House and Kite Wood. Crowded House was installed as favourite for this race after an impressive performance in the Racing Post Trophy last season, that coming over 1m. He was expected to win the Dante before arriving here but he struggled to land a blow that day and weakened into eighth. He apparently scoped dirty after the race and is expected to put up a better showing here. Kite Wood represents Goldophin and will improve from his good run in the Dante, where he finished two lengths down in fifth. He will like the trip and ground but might struggle to keep pace with the market principles.

Selections: 1st - Sea The Stars, 2nd - Black Bear Island, 3rd - Fame And Glory.

Result - 1st - Sea The Stars, 11/4, 2nd - Fame And Glory, 9/4 fav, 3rd - Masterofthehorse, 16/1.

A remarkable performance from a remarkable horse in the shape of Sea The Stars. He is an individual who simply oozes class in every way, be it his gorgeous looks or his cruising speed similar to that of a Ferrari. His trainer was very confident he would stay the extra four furlongs and the result was never in doubt for this relation to Galileo as the brilliant Mick Kinane had him perfectly positioned throughout. He was keen during the first two furlongs but his jockey quickly settled him into a nice rhythm and was placed in third throughout. Aidan O'Brien's pacemaker, Golden Sword, set a solid pace and kicked four lengths clear rounding Tattenham corner. However, the speed shown by Sea The Stars when asked to make up ground on the leader was immense and he steadily drew alongside before powering into the lead inside the final furlong. Kinane did not have to get serious with this colt of huge ability and he stayed on strongly from favourite Fame and Glory to win by a length and half and become the first horse since Nashwan in 1989 to land the Guineas/Derby double. His trainer stated that plans to go for the Triple Crown are unclear but he could also go to the Arc at the end of the season as well as the Irish Derby at the Curragh. There are so many superlatives to describe the superb Sea The Stars but his two performances this season highlight him as one of the best three-year-olds seen in a long while. It is estimated that he is worth £40 million and his trainer, jockey and owner can be proud of their efforts in enabling the racing public to witness a masterful horse in his prime. Fame And Glory was backed into favouritism before the off as a huge influx of money came in for him. He was settled in mid-division under Seamus Heffernan and he began to move three furlongs out. He was still three lengths behind Sea The Stars but began to stay on nicely but in truth he never looked like getting to the impressive winner. He is a high-class horse and it is likely he will re-oppose the winner in the Irish Derby. Masterofthehorse ran a game race in third and improved considerably from his seasonal debut in the Chester Vase. He stayed the trip well enough and a nice race will come his way. Rip Van Winkle ran an eye-catching race as he was staying on again, as he did in the Guineas, but was simply outclassed. Johnny Murtagh made a bold decision to partner him earlier on during the week and even though Fame And Glory finished ahead, he will still no doubt be pleased with his colt's performance. He is likely to drop back in trip and go for the Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown. Golden Sword ran his heart out in fifth and gave Ballydoyle a second, third, fourth and fifth placing. Crowded House came here with something to prove but he ran with credit to finish six, even though he was six lengths behind the leading pack. He was switched to the outside by Jamie Spencer and began to motor but did not last home. Two disappoints in a high-class renewal were Black Bear Island and Gan Amhras. Black Bear Island looked to have sound each-way claims after his Dante win but he struggled to land a blow. He finished a long way behind the winner and this could not have been his true running. Gan Amhras was quietly fancied by his connections but he never travelled. He may not have handled this unique track and on a flatter course, may be able to reproduce his Guineas third.

Preview - Nottingham, 4:10 - Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Conditions Stakes (Class 2) 1m

A fairly weak contest for the money. Goldophin are double-handed with two lightly-raced individuals and hope to enhance their good record in this contest, having won it twice in the past five years. Khateeb has been a consistent performer throughout his career and ran well on his seasonal debut, hinting there is more to come. Dubai's Touch is much more exposed than the three previously mentioned but he is a typically tough Mark Johnston type.

Saeed Bin Suroor aims to improve on his 34% strike rate at this course and he relies on Emmrooz, the preferred mount of Frankie Dettori. This four-year-old has only had five runs so far in his career and arguably ran a personal best last time out when chasing home Group performer Bankable in a Nad Al Sheba handicap. He started his career in good style and, after winning a weak maiden on his second start, he went to Ascot to contest in the Royal Lodge Stakes, however, he struggled to land a blow in that Group 2, suggesting that he would be a threat lowered in grade. He ran a good race behind Henry Cecil's Kandahar Run in a Listed race at Newmarket but despite going off as favourite, he was outclassed by the winner, who went on to compete in the 2008 Derby. He missed his three-year-old season but still looks an interesting prospect. His last run was very encouraging as his trainer sent him to Dubai, where he was only just beaten by Bankable, who was very frustrating last season when trained by Luca Cumani. Emmrooz does have to overcome an absence of three months but he may be able to fulfil some of the promise he has shown during his short career. He will be ideally suited to this mile on fast ground.

Khateeb drops back to a mile after a short spell over 1m 2f. He ran some good races last season and after winning his maiden easily against lesser opposition he was pitched into a Listed race at Sandown, where he failed to handle the soft ground and finished fourth. Trainer Michael Jarvis had no qualms in running in the Hampton Court Stakes ove 1m 2f at Royal Ascot, where he belied his 33/1 odds to finish fourth. He relished the return to quicker ground that day and he moved nicely into contention only to be done for pace at the crucial stage. He made his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield but was badly in need of the run, his first since August. He made all that day but was found out in the final furlong, he looks sure to be spot on for today. He is entered for the Royal Hunt Cup and he would need to run well here to guarantee a place in the line-up. He looks likely to appreciate the drop back in trip and under Richard Hills, he could continue his stable's recent run of good form.

Dubai's Touch is a thoroughly-exposed five-year-old but has performed with much credit during his 26-race career. Today is his first run for eight months and he is entitled to need the outing. He does go well fresh, having won first time out before. He ran some big races last season, finishing in the frame in two Listed races at the start of the season before going to well in the Totesport Mile at Goodwood. He finished a way behind top-class Raven's Pass in the Celebration Mile before going on to run as well as could be expected in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket. He has a host of entries to his name and it would be no surprise to see him begin this season with a bang. If Dettori does not make the running on Emmrooz, Greg Fairley may decide to dictate matters on this tough horse.

Royal God looks to be the Goldophin second-string and is making his first start for his new stable. Trained in France last year, he looks best suited to a mile even though he would prefer some give in the ground looking back on his old form. This race is likely to give his trainer a view to how good he could be so he is an unknown quantity in truth. Docofthebay has been on the go since January and has not won for two years. He ran well on his only start at the course before and his trainer Jamie Osborne has been in good form of late.

Selections: 1st - Emmrooz, 2nd - Khateeb, 3rd - Dubai's Touch.

Result: 1st - Khateeb, 11/4, 2nd - Emmrooz, 6/5 fav, 3rd - Docofthebay, 10/1.

Khateeb was given a canny front-running ride by Richard Hills and held off the challenge of Emmrooz to score by a length and half. With stamina assured, Hills quickly took his mount to the front and he never saw another rival. He travelled nicely and soon had his opposition in trouble in behind with two furlongs to go, and when asked to quicken he did so readily. He has obviously come on massively for his seasonal debut and this will set him up nicely for a crack at the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, for which he was cut to 16/1 after this clear-cut success. Emmrooz was well backed to give Saeed Bin Suroor and Frankie Dettori yet another winner at Nottingham but he could not contain the winner. He was settled nicely in mid-division and moved steadily up to leader, but when he Dettori asked for maximum effort, he could not find enough to pass Khateeb, even though he finished three lengths clear of third. He looked a willing partner and will come on for this run, he would be one to watch next time out. Docofthebay ran a good race considering he missed the break and was the first under pressure. He ran a blinder last season to finish second in the Royal Hunt Cup and that will be his target again this season. He would have to build on this to feature there but he is going the right way. Dubai's Touch weakened very tamely after being up with the pace for most of the race. This was his first run for eight months and fitness began to tell three furlongs from home, where he dropped steadily back through the field. He is a tough sort and wherever he appears for his next race, he will be a different proposition.