Royal Ascot

It would be just great to see the 2024 winner Asfoora do herself justice once more and the hope is that the return of blinkers, which were a help last year, will see her put this year's efforts behind her. However, this looks a stronger version than that in 2024, and also than last year's when American Affair won from Frost At Dawn, and OVERPASS is taken to carry on the proud tradition of Australian sprinters at the Royal meeting. This stiff 5f shouldn't be a problem, and he may in fact relish it, having run so well for a long way in the world's most valuable turf race, the Everest, last October. Rayevka still has some hidden firepower to reveal over 5f and she can be the main danger ahead of Mission Central who has impressed in Listed races this year. Night Raider showed he can hoard his abundant speed when coming from off the pace to win at Haydock but this more demanding track will ask a different question. Rumstar was close behind him at Newmarket in the spring and is also worth a look, while Frost At Dawn also has a good run in her among those at big prices.[Emily Weber]