Royal Ascot tips: American raider Campanelle the highlight on day four

Campanelle, left, on the way to victory in last year's Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo by ALAN CROWHURST/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

2.30pm Group Three Albany Stakes. Selections: Flotus 11/4 and Prettiest 6/1

There was lots to like about Flotus’ debut win at Goodwood. She travelled powerfully into contention, before putting the race to be in fine style. A 125,000gns purchase, she has the services of Frankie Dettori for this assignment and looks a leading player, along with Prettiest for Aidan O’Brien. She is the first foal of three-time Group One winner Alice Springs and was a smooth winner on debut at Navan in May.

3.05pm Group Two King Edward VII Stakes. Selection: The Mediterranean 9/2 and Bellocio 25/1

Campanelle, trained by Wesley Ward, during a Royal Ascot American Horses Media Morning in Newmarket. Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images

Alenquer has to rate high on the shortlist having won in good style at Sandown on his first start this year. However, The Mediterranean was a good second last time out in Listed company and makes more appeal given he looks likely to progress again. Belloccio will appreciate the forecast rain and could outrun his odds in this event.

3.40pm Group One Commonwealth Cup. Selection: Campanelle 9/2

A brilliant renewal of this six-furlong event. American raider Campanelle was one of the best two-year-olds around last term, following up success in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot, with victory in the Prix Morny. Six furlongs looks to be her trip and trainer Wesley Ward is hopeful of a big run. The dangers include the progressive Dragon Symbol who has only narrowly beaten at Haydock last time and the unexposed Diligent Harry who has raced solely on the All-Weather so far, but should handle the switch to turf. Betway ambassador Andrew Balding runs Fivethousandtoone who also warrants respected having finished seventh in the Dewhurst last term, with his trainer commenting: “I would have loved to have got a run into him before this race. However, there was only soft ground available at the time. We’ve done plenty of work with him, he may come on for the run, but he is as fit as we can get him.” It promises to be a fascinating event.

4.20pm Group One Coronation Stakes. Selection: Mother Earth 7/2

Aidan O’Brien is responsible for Irish 1000 Guineas first and second Empress Josephine and Mother Earth. The pair look the stand-outs on form and Mother Earth also boasts a 1000 Guineas win at Newmarket on her CV this term. She gets the vote, with the unexposed Snow Lantern another to consider. Her dam Sky Lantern won this race in 2013, whilst Primo Bacio showed a smart turn of foot to score at York on her latest start.

5.00pm Sandringham Handicap. Selections: Belief 12/1 and Beheld 14/1

William Haggas saddles the unexposed Belief who scored in easy fashion at Thirsk earlier this month and has been given a handicap mark of 88. That looks workable and he makes appeal in a wide open event in which Beheld is another live player.

5.35pm Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap. Selection: Quickthorn 6/1

Lots in with chances, Zabeel Champion is on a roll this term and has to be respected, along with Aaddeyy who impressed on his latest start. However, Quickthorn quickened up in fine manner to score at Haydock last time out and can continue his upward progression.

6.10pm Palace Of Holyroodhouse Handicap. Selections: Boomshalaa 11/2 and Popmaster 16/1

Boomshalaa remains thoroughly unexposed following two east wins at Kempton and Windsor. A mark of 93 looks fair and he is high on the shortlist, along with Get It and Popmaster.

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