Racing and Sports' tips for Day 3 of Royal Ascot.
RACE 1 - Group 2 Norfolk Stakes (1005m)
NAVAL LIGHT (13) caught the eye when runner-up to a nice performer debuting at Beverley (1000m) in May. This Karl Burke-trained colt was staying on nicely through the line that day and arguably would have won if getting away on better terms. May take a step forward and is selected to come out on top for the Wathnan Racing team. The more experienced CHARLES DARWIN (3) looked good winning at Naas and Navan and holds major claims representing the Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore team. Impressive American debut winner SANDAL'S SONG (14) commands respect having joined Wathnan since. WISE APPROACH (16) might yet have more to offer.
RACE 2 - King George V Stakes (2405m)
A competitive handicap full of unexposed three-year-old runners. Simon and Ed Crisford train BOATSWAIN (3) who looked in need of the 2400m journey when denied by a useful performer at Leicester last time. This opening mark may challenge however he is open to considerable improvement and could be up to the task. Dangers include the Aidan O'Brien-trained SERIOUS CONTENDER (5) and the William Haggas chance MERCHANT (8). The former made a winning handicap debut over 2000m at Leopardstown 81 days ago and may provide a bold bid now stretching out in trip off a 3.5kg higher mark while the latter relished this distance beating a nice type at York in May and cannot be ignored up 4kg. MASAI MOON (1) and GUNSHIP (10) are others to note.
RACE 3 - Ribblesdate Stakes (2405m)
Not the strongest of renewals. SERENITY PRAYER (10) stayed on well through the line to finish 5.5L behind in the G3 Musidora Stakes at York. The winner was subsequently denied in the G1 Epsom Oaks giving form a boost and this daughter of Dubawi may return to winning ways now up in trip. CATALINA DELCARPIO (2) brings a similar profile to the main selection and commands respect following a good second-place finish in the 2000m G3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Salsabil Stakes at Navan. GARDEN OF EDEN (4) won the Listed Oaks Trial Stakes last time out and is another with more to give climbing in distance. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (9) cannot be ruled out.
RACE 4 - Ascot Gold Cup (4014m)
The retirement of Kyprios has left the door open for a new champion and it could be his stablemate ILLINOIS (8) trained by Aidan O'Brien. Landed the G2 Queen's Vase Stakes at this meeting before finishing runner-up in the G1 St Leger Stakes last year and could be set for this following a reappearance success in the G3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester. TRAWLERMAN (4) followed home the winner of this twelve months back and is an obvious leading player securing a prep-run victory in the G3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown. French raider CANDELARI (7) remains lightly raced as a stayer and cannot be left out of the equation after his smooth win in the 3000m G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Longchamp. SWEET WILLIAM (3) completes the shortlist.
RACE 5 - Britannia Stakes (1609m)
A fierce looking handicap. Harry Eustace won this two years ago and may do so once more with LA BOTTE (2). He raced on the wing when a promising fourth behind the subsequent G1 Irish 2000 Guineas second in the Listed King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket and will relish stepping up to 1600m making handicap debut. Form of a FIFTH COLUMN (27) success at Sandown looks solid. Respect up 3kg with first-time cheekpieces applied. Ralph Beckett trains CONSOLIDATION (12) who stayed on well managing to get up late over 1400m at Goodwood last time out. Expected to enjoy this stiffer stamina test. TEROOMM (8) holds sound claims having provided a winning handicap debut tackling 1600m at Haydock. PAROLE D'ORO (26) also merits consideration.
RACE 6 - Hampton Court Stakes (2004m)
DETAIN (3) lost little in defeat when an excellent third in the 2100m G1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly eighteen days ago. May take some beating if this doesn't come too soon. TRINITY COLLEGE (14) finished a head further back in fourth on that occasion and could be right in the mix once again racing for the Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore combination. There might be more to come from HIGH STOCK (7) who receives a nice draw in stall seven. Worth including after his neck second in the Listed Dee Stakes at Chester second time out. The progressive GLITTERING LEGEND (5) cannot be discounted now up in trip revisiting turf following a narrow victory in the Listed Burradon Stakes at Newcastle.
RACE 7 - Buckingham Palace Stakes (1408m)
ENGLISH OAK (12) landed this contest off 0.5kg higher twelve months ago. Not maintained the same form since. Hinted a return to best when sixth in a decent handicap at Newbury last time and could be sparked back to life by the fitting of first-time cheekpieces. GLENEAGLE BAY (26) posted an excellent effort in defeat when a head third over course and distance 40 days ago. Can remain competitive off 1.5kg higher. NEVER SO BRAVE (3) did well in the G3 Jersey Stakes tackling track and trip at this meeting last year. Might get involved after an unlucky second-place finish resuming at Chester nineteen days ago. Both ROI DE FRANCE (1) and OLIVER SHOW (14) hold each-way appeal.
