World power, Godolphin Stable, has a pair of sharp two-year-olds in the Coventry Stakes (G2), the 2nd Race on opening day. #14 ROUND TWO is progressive and sharp. Trainer Jim Bolger has him poised for a top effort. #5 BURATINO owns the most experience in the field. The son of Exceed and Excel has three wins to his credit - an amazing feat for a European juvenile in June.
The King's Stand (G1), the 3rd Race on the card, is always a tough one to gauge. #8 MUTHMIR meets all the important handicapping requirements and should be a square price, making an "each way" bet a possibility.
Ascot's 5th Race is a turf marathon. #11 LYCIDAS owns the best figure and is a very consistent sort. Trainer Charlie Fellowes adds blinkers to his equipment, so it must be "all systems go." #3 FUN MAC doesn't rate far behind. He comes off an 11-length romp in a similar race at Salisbury. He's never run this far, but he has a large margin to play with.
Two-year-olds are again featured in the 6th Race, the final event of the day. #21 WASHINGTON DC will probably be the favorite with his Coolmore connections and excellent record. #4 AREEN broke his maiden impressively, but acted a little squirrely in his next start. Jockey Jamie Spencer takes the son of Kodiak back, so he must feel a reverting to his previous good form is possible. With the field, you get American trainer Wesley Ward's #26F RUBY NOTION. He's already met the Queen, so it is safe to say that he didn't ship a filly who broke her maiden in a claiming race, across the pond just for fun.