Jamie Spencer can extend his fine Ascot record on George Of Hearts, according to Ed Chamberlin who has two fancies on day three of the Royal meeting.
NAP - Stradivarius
There's nothing quite like the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and while it's probably asking too much for a repeat of the dramatic finish we saw last year when Big Orange held on bravely to deny Order Of St George - and the scenes after the race - it looks another belting renewal of the great race.
Order Of St George should be going for three in a row according to some and he's looked right at the peak of his powers again so far this season.
However, Stradivarius made massive strides through his three-year-old campaign and following a brilliant comeback victory at York, may just have improved again.
Importantly, he is right at home on proper summer ground, something we thankfully have again today, and if Frankie can get him settled in behind horses early on in the race, his devastating turn of foot could prove the deciding factor.
Next Best - George Of Hearts
No rider has a better strike-rate on the straight course at Ascot than Jamie Spencer and he teams up with the shrewd Richard Hughes with George Of Hearts in the Britannia.
I'm convinced that Hughes is going to go a long way as he firmly establishes himself as a trainer and it's horses like this that he needs to deliver on the biggest stage.
He's got the right back in the saddle, for much is clear, and the horse looks likely to improve again for the first try at a mile.
He won his maiden over six furlongs at Chelmsford in March and was a staying-on, close second at this track on his handicap debut over seven.
You need a horse 10lb ahead of the assessor to win a race of this nature and George Of Hearts definitely fits the bill from my point of view.
