Timeform Radio Tips: Sole to Power home

Sole Power can give a good account in the King's Stand

Lydia Hislop is covering the action live from Ascot and she has found some bets to get your week off to a flying start...

This is as tricky a first day at Royal Ascot that I can recall.
 
The scale of the novelty of his task makes Animal Kingdom unappealing at the price for the Queen Anne - even if, as the best horse in the race by far, he is the likeliest winner. Elusive Kate is the solid each-way rival and could set her own pace in front, compromising the chances of any hold-up horses whose connections might only be hoping for a place. Penitent strikes me as overpriced for a place in this scenario.
 
Dawn Appproach's spontaneous combustion in the Derby, Magician's reported setback and Toronado's flat 2000 Guineas run make the St James's Palace Stakes even more treacherous. I shall enjoy watching that race.
 
KING'S STAND - SOLE POWER

That Johnny Murtagh is back on board Sole Power is an instant positive; he wasn't responsible for a premature attack in the Temple Stakes last time. Last year, the horse ran a huge third in this race when drawn away from the principals and appears as good as ever. A sound surface and this flat(ish) track suits. Shea Shea demands plenty of respect, having established a track record on each of his last two starts in Dubai, and Pearl Secret remains unexposed but hasn't had an ideal preparation. These two threats are enough, however, to make this a win-and-place bet.
 
COVENTRY STAKES - STUBBS

His chief threat appears to be stablemate, putative second string and fellow son of an Irish Oaks winner, Sir John Hawkins, but I prefer Stubbs' experience and progression. I'm less keen on his draw but this is not a point-and-fire juvenile - he was waited with last time before delivering a decisive challenge to win a Naas Listed event. That makes him more manoeuvrable for Joseph O'Brien today and the horse boasts by far the best form in the race.
 
ASCOT STAKES - MUBARAZA; save on MYSTERIOUS MAN

Mubaraza's career-best performance came over two miles and, over lesser trips, he has twice shaped this season as if an improved performer. He was third behind Tiger Cliff at Newmarket last time, an outstanding piece of handicap form: run in a quick time and with the second and sixth having won since. That day, he got stuck behind horses - a massive inconvenience for a stayer - and found the race developing late on the other side of the track. I prefer Mubaraza's steady stamina and proven liking for two miles to Tiger Cliff's sudden leap of almost six furlongs in trip. My worry is Mubaraza is often steadied at the start; should Paul Hanagan do this from his good draw in 7 today, you can treble his price immediately. So, if you're allergic to letting a bet run, back him if he attains an early position in the first half of the field or so.

Mysterious Man interests me as a saver bet. I doubt he's finished improving yet and he's from the family of 1999 Ascot Gold Cup winner, Enzeli. He is also blessed with a prominent run style and a workable draw in 11.
 
Selections:
All at Royal Ascot

BACK Sole Power win @ 10.09/1 and place at 3.3512/5 in the King's Stand Stakes
BACK Stubbs @ 4.216/5 in the Coventry Stakes
BACK Mubaraza @ 10.5n/a (or in-running, if your preference) in the Ascot Stakes 
BACK Mysterious Man @ 17.016/1 in the Ascot Stakes

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