ROYAL ASCOT: Guineas winner Coroebus showcased his potent change of gear at Newmarket and his push-button acceleration should be suited to the round mile… but watch out for Maljoom
- Sportsmail tipster SAM TURNER gives his take for the opening day at Royal Ascot
- Baaeed has scared off most of the meaningful opposition ahead of the 2.30
- Those looking for a bigger-priced option in the 3.40 might consider King’s Lynn
- The push-button acceleration of Coroebus should give him the edge in the 4.20
Sportsmail’s expert tipster Sam Turner delivers his verdict ahead of the opening day at Royal Ascot.
2.30: Baaeed, the top-rated thoroughbred in training, has scared off most of the meaningful opposition, and a repeat of his Lockinge Stakes demolition of Real World should see him collect a fourth successive Group One win.
Sir Busker loves the straight mile and may outrun his odds.
Selection: Baaeed
Danger: Real World
Baaeed has scared off most of the meaningful opposition in training ahead of the 2.30
3.05: Persian Force announced himself on the opening day of the turf season when trouncing his Brocklesby rivals in a rapid time.
Five subsequent winners emerged from the race and the selection impressed on his prep race at Newbury when seeing out the 6f well.
Aidan O’Brien holds a strong hand in all the juvenile races, and Blackbeard and Age Of Kings have impressed on their various assignments. Goodwood winner Royal Scotsman is also shortlisted.
Selection: Persian Force
Danger: Royal Scotsman
3.40: International raiders Golden Pal and Nature Strip add glamour and intrigue. Golden Pal bolted up on his Keeneland comeback from the front and already boasts experience of the track and this meeting, while Nature Strip is an eight-time Group One winner in Australia.
Those looking for a bigger-priced alternative might consider King’s Lynn who looks to be coming of age.
Selection: King’s Lynn
Danger: Golden Pal
Those looking for a bigger-priced alternative in the 3.40 might consider King’s Lynn
4.20: Horses that travel well and boast push-button acceleration are well suited to the round mile and Coroebus showcased his potent change of gear at Newmarket last time out to withstand the challenge of stablemate Native Trail.
The runner-up has since won the Irish Guineas to boost the form. The only slight negative for Coroebus is stall two and the prospect of traffic on the rail.
William Haggas’s My Prospero and Maljoom may be the chief threats, while New Energy and Berkshire Shadow look big prices.
Selection: Coroebus
Danger: Maljoom
The push-button acceleration of Coroebus should be well suited to the round mile in the 4.20
5.00: Reshoun (nap) sprang a 66-1 surprise in this race 12 months ago and he shaped like he might be ready to peak once more at Haydock last time.
The veteran stayed on tidily that day over an inadequate trip and his stable won a couple of staying contests over the weekend at York to signal their return to form.
The Willie Mullins representative, Bring On The Night, and Triumph Hurdle third Pied Piper have plenty of appeal, too.
Selection: Reshoun (nap)
Danger: Bring On The Night
5.35: Perotto landed the three-year-old mile handicap at this meeting last year and could prove an interesting contender now he tackles 10f once more.
The decision to head for this race rather than the Hunt Cup could be a tip in itself. Cadillac motored to an impressive Leopardstown success last time but usually saves his best efforts for that venue and Juan Elcano, Regal Reality and, at a price, Dubai Future may offer more threat.
Selection: Perotto
Danger: Regal Reality
Regal Reality (pictured, centre) may offer more threat than Perotto in the 5.35
6.10: Platinumcard boasted the quality to chase home the classy Bay Bridge at York, so may prove an interesting outsider in this competitive finale.
Connections have booked a smart apprentice jockey and he could be a little value to trouble Cleveland and the talented Stowell.
Selection: Platinumcard
Danger: Cleveland
