Royal Ascot Day 2 Place 6 Preview

14.30 Queen Mary Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2)

WILD BLOSSOM looked exceptional when breezing to a 10-length success on debut at Carlisle last month and her connections won that race last year with Venetian Sun before that one scored at this meeting. With room for greater improvement, this exciting filly could be ready to make her mark at this deeper level.

ALTA REGINA was another impressive debutant winner, scoring at Lingfield by four lengths, and looks sure to progress. In spite of James Doyle picking the other Wathnan runner, it would come as no surprise to see her in the mix. I’ll be playing both of these in the opener.

Tips: WILD BLOSSOM & ALTA REGINA

15.05 Queen’s Vase (Group 2)

LIMESTONE has continued to progress through the ranks, winning his last three starts, and although this asks more of him, he might not have reached his limit. He remains the one to beat for the Epsom Oaks-winning duo.

ASAKIR is related to several top-class racehorses and chased home the former last time out. He still looked a bit green that day, so he undoubtedly has more to offer and can also play a hand in the finish.

Tips: LIMESTONE & ASAKIR

15.40 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Fillies’ And Mares’ Group 2) (Rnd)

BLUE BOLT is a highly-progressive filly and won three on the bounce last summer. She concluded her season with an excellent runner-up effort in the Group 1 Sun Chariot and made a successful return in a Listed event at Goodwood. With plenty more to come, she looks set to go close.

KON TIKI was beaten under a length by Blue Bolt last time out and is open to further improvement, so she is the alternative choice. I think the pair could throw up another cracking finish but my main play would be Andrew Balding’s filly.

Tips: BLUE BOLT & KON TIKI

16.20 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1)

OMBUDSMAN looks like a good thing and can become the first horse since Muhtarram to land back-to-back Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and take down the French raider.

Arc winner Daryz is much respected but John and Thady Gosden’s charge blew him out of the water at York last year and I just cannot see how he can gain revenge.

He was so impressive when taking this race twelve months ago and his whole campaign has been built around a potential repeat success. I like him a lot.

Tips: OMBUDSMAN

17.00 Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Str)

THUNDER RUN looks to have been absolutely laid out for the Royal Hunt Cup. His trainer and jockey are having an excellent season and he’s been left on the same mark as when second at York. He ran well when fourth in the Balmoral here last year on unsuitable ground and could be set to go well from a good slot in 28.

The consistent HOLLOWAY BOY always runs well at this venue, particularly at this fixture, and warmed up for this with a good second in a Listed event here last month. With his rider taking off a handy 5lb, Karl Burke’s inmate can make a bold bid.

Tips: THUNDER RUN & HOLLOWAY BOY

17.35 Kensington Palace Stakes (Fillies’ And Mares’ Handicap) (Str)

Two outsiders to consider. SAND GAZELLE has been competing at a higher level since her successful debut, including when second in a quality Group 3 event at the Curragh last August. After contesting various Listed and Group 2 events, she will appreciate the drop in grade and looks well handicapped off a mark of 100. William Buick has also been booked, so I can see her making an impact.

GAGA GIRL is interesting under Soumillon though, as she backed up her reappearance win with a good second in a Listed race when last seen. She looks ideally drawn in stall 24 and connections wouldn’t be running here without good reason, so the trip could be worthwhile. A mark of 94 seems fair, too.

Tips: SAND GAZELLE & GAGA GIRL