Regular readers will know that I am no fan of flat racing and, in particular, Royal Ascot. However, it is worthy of attention because the very best are on display and trained for it so betting options are therefore more reliable. So, here are my (very short odds and favourite) selections.

2.30 Queen Anne Stakes 1m straight

There is absolutely no reason to oppose Ribchester***** so the evens is very appealing. It’s not so much that this one is probably the best miler in Europe but more that in this race he has only one proper opponent in the shape of Lightning Spear, who he comfortably beat last time out. Double your money!

4.20 St James’s Palace Stakes 7 1/2 f round

It’s the same formula here, only more so with Churchill***** at 4/6 and Barney Roy (9/4), 10/1 bar. They were 1-2 in the Guineas but the market favourite is going for his eighth consecutive win and conditions should suit. Make no mistake, these two are way ahead of the opposition.

5.00 Ascot Stakes 2m 3 1/2 f

Now we’re talking! The top three in the market, Thomas Hobson** (9/2), Who Dares Wins (6/1) and Beyond Conceit (8/1)  are trained by Willie Mullins, Alan King and Nicky Henderson respectively. Thomas Hobson and Beyond Conceit have not been seen on the flat since 2013 but the former looks ideally placed in this and the jockey booking (Ryan Moore) is significant.

Summary

So, what to do? A £10 double on Ribchester and Churchill returns £33.33, while a treble on those two plus Thomas Hobson returns £183.33. Both bets placed.

Not very imaginative but Royal Ascot is all about picking the class horses.

Good luck!