Royal Ascot Day Five: Replay the action from Diamond Jubilee Stakes day

Click here for Saturday's Royal Ascot results

1751 It's been another dramatic day and another dramatic week of racing. I hope you've enjoyed our coverage throughout the week and the team will be back, I believe, at the July Meeting at Newmarket in a couple of week's time.

Until then, I wish you the best of luck and a fond farewell.

1749 It's possible that Thomas Hobson's exertions on Tuesday might just have taken the edge off him but it certainly didn't look like that for much of the contest, he's run another fine race.

1747 He is a remarkable horse and becoming vaguely reminiscent of Yavana's Pace who did so well for Mark Johnston as a stayer in his advanced years.

He's finished first, fourth and first in the last three renewals now and showed a tenacious attitude to sweep past Qewy and Thomas Hobson.

It was an intriguing race as Thomas Hobson and Martin Harley had denied Ryan Moore and US Army Ranger a run until the straight although the third home didn't exacly do anything quickly once out in the clear.

Perhaps we might see him back in the Gold Cup next year instead of Order Of St George?

1744 🏆1st Oriental Fox 10/1
             2nd Thomas Hobson 2/1 favourite
             3rd US Army Ranger 7/2
             4th Qewy

1738 They're loading fast and the curtain is about to come down on Royal Ascot 2017, will it be one more for Ryan Moore?

1734 The runners are beginning to assemble in front of the stalls, including Excellent Result who has been awarded the best turned out award.

1733 Saeed Bin Suroor has had one winner and he came close to doubling that tally in the last. He sends out Winning Story here and he should be suited by stepping back up in trip after his run at Chester last time but he's going into unchartered waters once he passes the two mile pole.

Fun Mac and Oriental Fox are two strong stayers who have crossed paths before but neither looks to hold more than an each-way chance here.

There are three runners dominating the market here but Sky Bet are paying down to fifth place here if you fancy something in the finale.

1728 I've watched most of the week's racing on the telly and there's been a lot of talk about whether Josephine Gordon might ride her first Royal Ascot winner.

She has one more chance to get on the board in 2017 and that's on another strong stayer in First Mohican. Alan King's runners have performed with credit this week but the nine-year-old was only seventh at 40/1 last year so has plenty of work to do.

1725 Proven stamina must count for a lot and Qewy has that having finished second in the Ascot Stakes last year and he's yet another Appleby horse bidding to defy a long absence, to be fair the others haven't done too badly. 

1721 Is this going to be straightforward for Thomas Hobson? It's not as if he was a bad Flat horse for John Gosden before being sold for £240,000.

I don't suppose his connections ever thought he'd be racing against the 2016 Derby runner-up when they splashed that cash but US Army Ranger has an awful lot to prove stepping up a mile in trip.

Thomas Hobson didn't appear to have too hard a race when winning on Tuesday and he's proving very popular at around the 15/8 mark.

1713 I briefly picked up Raucous on the replay and he was doing all of his best work in the closing stages but the bird had flown by then. He, too, was on the stands' side.

That must have capped a pretty decent day and a pretty decent week for the bookies and there's still one to go. They'll be keen to get Thomas Hobson beaten here and he was one of Murt Khan's selections in his Breaking It Down column.

1710 Self-pity isn't an attractive trait in anyone but possessing the speed of Out Do would be handy as David O'Meara does indeed take the prize home but not with Edward Lewis.

It's the eight-year-old Out Do who does the business under Danny Tudhope, bursting through on the golden rail to deny Saeed bin Suroor and Josephine Gordon a welcome and valuable winner.

What a game.

1709 What a game as one of my bosses would say.

First and second in the forecast but only on the stands's side as the far side take the day. For a moment, glory was in my grasp and now I'm left grasping at thin air - again. 

Excuse me for a moment while I wallow in self pity.

1706 🏆1st Out Do 25/1
             2nd Steady Pace 16/1
             3rd Projection 15/2
             4th Polybius 33/1
             5th Danzeno

1658 A strong move for Raucous here who continues to attract support for William Haggas and Ryan Moore and the four-year-old, blinkered for the first time, looks set to go off favourite as they field make their way behind the stalls.

Best of luck whatever you are with.

1655 A reminder that you can click on the link above to bet on this race with Sky Bet and that they are paying six places instead of four. They could well be needed.

The north has already landed one big prize today with Tim Easterby, who wasn't here, landing the Wolferton and they've a couple of live challengers here in Normandy Barriere and Edward Lewis who has made it into a rather lengthy combination forecast list as I bid to bow out in glory.

1651 As well as bringing about an end to Paul Hanagan's day, the Diamond Jubilee Stakes also put paid to the £100,000 jackpot hopes of the players in the free Pick 7 game.

It's been a tough old week for going through the card at Royal Ascot and it's not going to get any easier in the Wokingham.

1649 A jockey change here and Steve Donohoe takes over from Paul Hanagan, unseated from Growl in the Diamond Jubilee, aboard Eastern Impact.

1648 I mentioned that July Cup betting earlier in the piece and the revised Sky Bet market is now:

6/4 Caravaggio, 6/1 Limato, 7/1 Harry Angel & The Tin Man, 8/1 Tasleet, 10s Blue Point.

1646 The Fred Archer partnership are currently crowding on to the winner's podium and there wasn't an awful lot of room up there but if you can't enjoy days like this....

They're getting the top jockey and top trainer awards out of the way and the long odds-on favourites, O'Brien and Moore, have obliged.

I wonder if they sell them on ebay or for scrap? They can't have houses big enough for their trophies by now.

1644 James Fanshawe was, understandably, a little more forthcoming.

"I'm a very relieved man and I'm very grateful to The Tin Man for putting up a fantastic performance, to Tom, who gave him a great ride, and everyone back at home.

"He doesn't tell you a thing at home this horse - he doesn't do anything in his homework. These are the horses you need. The Tin Man is a star horse and we're lucky to have him.

"There's no place like Royal Ascot and training Group One winners here is great. To have a horse of that calibre for the Fred Archer Partnership (owners) is really exciting.

"He's so laid back the horse and when he produces that sort of performance it's absolutely thrilling."

1643 I'm hearing that all Ryan Moore said in the stewards' room was: "He was going to finish third anyway."

Succinct and to the point as we've come to expect.

1641 Ben Linfoot went agonisingly close in the Diamond Jubilee and perhaps he can go one better here, this is his Value Bet take on the Wokingham.

Simon Holt's selections haven't enjoyed much fortune so far but perhaps that will change here, this is his preview.

1639 Bing bong - the places remain unaltered. Weighed in, weighed in.

1638 There is an oddly quiet lull in proceedings as the result of the enquiry is awaited but that leaves plenty of time to get your bets on for the big handicap if you haven't done so already.

I'm hoping that Projection will run significantly better than Magical Memory who never went a yard and may well have finished last. 

He'll be ridden by Kieren Shoemark who is a man going places if Roger Charlton's comments after Atty Persse's victory are anything to go by.

"His agent says he's the next Ryan Moore. I hope he's right," the Beckhampton handler said.

1631 As for the Wokingham, surely everything is going to make a beeline for the rails and racing room is going to be at a premium again.

There is another non-runner from that race with Donjuan Triumphant now missing out.

1628 Tasleet also appeared to lean back on Limato after being bumped and there's no doubt that was a rough old race, this could take a while before the result becomes official.

1627 All of the action took place against the far side rail and a stewards' enquiry has been called.

They did get fairly close together and the head-on is going to make for fascinating viewing as Tom Queally moved sharply to his right on the winner to find racing room.

Limato ran around a lot too, possibly intimidated by the winner, and gave Value Bet selection Tasleet a bump.

I don't think this will be changed but one or two might feel aggrieved.

1623 🏆1st The Tin Man 9/2
             2nd Tasleet 7/1
             3rd Limato 2/1 favourite

1619 The same cannot be said of Magical Memory who carries a few of my pounds each-way with Charlie Hills' charge having drifted ever since the wager was placed.

Thank heavens for best odds guaranteed.

1617 The field are on their way down to the start now and one or two of the jockeys are having to keep a tight hold of these sprinters to stop them bolting. This should be fast and furious and provides the older horses with the opportunity to give an answer to Caravaggio's display yesterday, not to mention the placed horses Harry Angel and Blue Point.

The American runner is being ponied down to the start as is customary and he is not without his supporters.

1613 Aidan O'Brien has mentioned the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes back at Ascot as a possibility for Idaho and Sky Bet have cut the Hardwicke Stakes winner to 7/1 from 25s.

Highland Reel is their 6/4 favourite with only Oaks winner Enable splitting the pair at 6/1.

1610 There are some more familiar names in Aclaim who progressed rapidly last season, something that Librisa Breeze has also done in recent campaigns.

The former drops back in trip after contesting the Lockinge and his improvement last season came over further than this six furlongs, including when winning a handicap over a mile at this track.

It's a similar story with Librisa Breeze who was having his first run over six when midfield behind The Tin Man here on Champions Day in October. It seems doubtful that either will be fast enough although Dean Ivory's runner is not without support and sits fifth in the betting just ahead of the US's Long On Value who is a general 14/1 chance.

1606 Limato is 2/1 now and proving popular with The Tin Man, whose trainer James Fanshawe does well with his runner's here, next in the betting at around 5/1.

He was only eighth of nine last year but it should be much easier for Tom Queally to get cover in this much larger field.

It's a field that includes an American runner and a smattering of French challengers so has a pleasingly international shape to it even if the speedsters from Hong Kong and Australia haven't been tempted over.

1602 On to the day's feature, the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, and another Ryan Moore ridden favourite in Limato.

The July Cup winner was second in the Commonwealth Cup 12 months ago and will relish the quick ground but he does have his well-being to prove but Henry Candy isn't concerned.

"Hopefully it will still be good, fast ground on Saturday," he said. "If we don't get too much rain it should be perfect. I've never seen him more depressed than when he got home from Dubai.

"I was surprised how much it did affect him. We had to force him a lot to get him as near fit as we could for World Cup night, then the ground was atrocious. He couldn't get any purchase on it and he pulled a lot of muscles and I think that is what got to him.

 "It has just been a case of giving him plenty of time. It has taken us a long time to get him back to his old self, but he seems to be there now. He is full of cheek and full of fun and he is working well, so I'm happy."

1553 There was a notable excitement in the air when Dartmouth mastered Dal Harraild and hit the front and people seemed ready to celebrate a Royal success but that excitement proved relatively short-lived.

That's just a third career win for Idaho following his maiden and last season's Great Voltigeur but he did look unlucky when stumbling in the Leger and no doubt connections will have their eyes on stepping him back up to Group One level.

I wonder if he's one that could be sent on his travels.

1549 The layers haven't escaped scot free from that race as Idaho was quite well supported through the morning, stepping up nicely on the form of his reappearance.

He quickened well for Seamie Heffernan and took full advantage of being better positioned than the placed horses. It was a pretty straightforward success.

Both Dal Harraild and Dartmouth were dropping back in trip for today's race and they were made to look a little onepaced.

1545 🏆1st Idaho 9/2
           2nd Barsanti 20/1
           3rd Chemical Charge 25/1

1537 It won't be long until the runners are making their way out onto the course and there's still no encouragement for the Stoute second string Across The Stars who is out to 18/1. You'd like to see a little bit of cash for him after that disappointing comeback.

Dartmouth remains pretty solid at around the 9/4 and 5/2 mark. He's a tough and likeable sort and his defeat of Highland Reel in this race last year doesn't look like too bad a piece of form now.

1533 Dartmouth looks in good nick on the tv screen and Sir Michael Stoute said: "We've been able to have a Royal winner on a number of occasions, but there's no pressure. He's in good shape and he knows his way around the track. He loves the track – he's solid."

You can find that quote and a couple of others at the foot of our racecards, along with links to video form.

1531 It seems that it's the turn of actors to do the presentations today with Olivia Coleman stepping up for the Chesham and some chap from Cold Feet doing the honours for the Wolferton, no not Nesbitt - one of the other ones.

I wonder if they draw them out of a hat or if they're allotted some sort of ranking.

1527 It's onto the Hardwicke Stakes where everyone seems to be trying to oppose the Queen's Dartmouth, winner of this race last year.

As a result, plenty of the others are shortening up in the market - notaby second favourite Idaho who was third in the Derby last year. 

The second home at Epsom goes in the last, the Queen Alexandra, but Big Thunder doesn't, he's the third non-runner in the finale.

1521 Winning rider David Allan referred to those traffic problems, saying: "Didn't he travel well? I had a few traffic problems, but a little gap came and he was really brave and really stuck his neck out to go through.

"He's surprised us a bit as he actually likes the ground a bit softer. He's an absolute legend of a horse and has improved again this year. It's hard enough getting a good ride here, so to get a winner is a big achievement."

It was a first Royal Ascot winner for Allan who certainly wasn't found wanting when the opportunity presented itself.

1518 The winner certainly wasn't on my radar but he's been a grand sort for Easterby and was winning his sixth race today from a career high mark of 102. 

Over £1200 for the exacta there - that's the sort of collection you need to end the week with a bang.

There will be a stewards' enquiry it has been announced and it will be interesting to see the outcome in what was a typically rough race on the round course.

1514 A neck and a length separated the first three there in what was something of a blanket finish.

I'd need to check the replay but it sounded from the commentary as though Khairaat and Restorer managed to get in each other's way. The latter probably lacked the pace over this trip but he was staying on again in the finish and ran a blinder, aleit a blinder from which I didn't profit.

Ryan Moore came fast and late on Ayrad towards the centre of the track alongside Scarlet Dragon who wasn't far away either.

The spoils go to the victor though and that was Snoano, ridden by David Allan and trained by Tim Easterby and very much a result for the bookmakers.

1511 🏆1st Snoano 25/1
            2nd Majeed 25/1
            3rd Kidmenever 6/1
            4th Maverick Wave 20/1
            5th Ayrad 16/1

1506 Silvestre de Sousa is out of Tumbaga's saddle at present and it looks as though there are some tack adjustments being made. He's about to hop back on board and it shoudn't be long until loading gets underway.

Scarlet Dragon into 12s now and this is developing into a decent gamble on the top-weight. Best of luck as the first runners go forwards.

1504 Plenty of blue on the oddschecker screen for some of the longer priced runners with Scarlet Dragon, Restorer, Muntazah, Maverick Wave and Tumbaga all seemingly attracting support.

If you haven't read them already then Ben Linfoot is with Central Square and Simon Holt with Elbereth.

1501 Nice little pic of the first winner there and it always amazes me how some people will watch the action unfold on the tv screen when the horses are right there behind them.

I know the view is better but.....

1459 The call has come for the jockeys to mount and they include Martin Dwyer who I hope will jump Restorer out of the gates and gain a prominent pitch before battling on gamely for a famous success.

We can but dream.

1456 The first of the day's handicaps will shortly be upon us and Charlie Appleby is trying to pull another rabbit out of the hat with Kidmenever who started life in France before racing for Appleby in Meydan.

The money has started to come for Khairaat though and he's the outright market leader with most firms.

Support for Pacify who wears the colours of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. He's gone up by 12lbs in defeat since his last, and only, win and was well beaten on his reappearance. The step back up in trip will suit but....

1452 Interesting breeding there for as well as being out of Peeping Fawn her sire is a huge, huge influence in Japan where he did the majority of his racing but has made relatively little impact, I think, in Europe with French 1000 Guineas winner Beauty Parlour perhaps the best known of his progeny.

1450 A word or two from Aidan O'Brien who was understandably delighted.

"You'd be delighted with her. She's out of Peeping Fawn by Deep Impact, so she's bred absolutely in the purple. She has a massive engine. She's a great traveller and quickens really well.

"She was very impressive in Leopardstown and what's unusual about her is she's not a very big filly, but she thinks she's big - she has a big personality.

"Like those real good ones, she has a big presence about her. She could be anything really. I think she was the first two-year-old that we had that won first time out this year.

"It's very exciting."

1446 It's been another good week for Ryan Moore who is weighed in as top jockey for those who took the 1/4 before Tuesday and he felt the race was always in the bag.

"She travelled like the winner the whole way, the Johnston horse went a good gallop and kept going, but I was always confident I would win. Her mother (Peeping Fawn) got better with racing and she's definitely got some of her talent.

"You couldn't ask for a better pedigree and as she goes further she'll get better."

Sky Bet were suitably impressed and they make September 5/1 from 14/1 for the QIPCO 1000 Guineas and 6/1 from 25/1 for the Investec Oaks.

1443 The action unfolded towards the far side of the track in the Chesham Stakes but that is where the fancied horses were drawn and I wouldn't be reading too much into that. Nyaleti went the shortest route from A-B, namely in a straight line, but I wonder if John Egan regrets not drifting over towards a rail with the centre of the track seemingly not the place to be.

1441 A good start for the punters who take an early lead on the final day and with the likes of Limato, Dartmouth and Thomas Hobson to come, this could be a bad Saturday for the layers.

1439 Confirmation that the going on the straight course today has been changed from Good to Firm to Good to Firm, Firm in places as predcited by Chris Stickels earlier in the day.

The winning time was 1 minute 26.7.

1437 It was a brave effort by Nyaleti but you could see her effort beginning to peter out at about the one furlong pole and she did remarkably well to keep going as she did.

September powered clear inside the distance to post a visually impressive performance while Masar didn't exactly let his supporters down while the fourth home franked the Goodwood form.

1435 🏆 1st September 11/8 favourite
               2nd Nyaleti 10/1
               3rd Masar 3/1
               4th Bartholomeu Dias

1428 Just a couple of minutes until post time, best of luck whoever you are on here.

1427 The first three from a Leicester maiden all re-oppose and time may well tell that was a fair contest as all three are prominent in the market with winner Westerland just favoured by the market to Hey Gaman and Matchmaker.

Hey Gaman won't go home empty handed (which quiz game was that? Bullseye? Catchphrase? All of them?) as he's been awarded best turned out.

1425 That 80/1 mentioned earlier about Bartholomeu Dias has evaporated and Charlie Hills' runner is now half that price as the field make thei way to the start and the money continues to come for Masar who is now 9/2.

It's been a remarkable year already for Charlie Appleby's juveniles. A penny for Saeed bin Suroor's thoughts?

1423 The jockeys are getting a leg up into the saddle as confirmation comes through from Sky Bet that they are keen to get the first two in the market turned over here which comes as no surprise with the Money Back concession.

They break from next to each other in stalls four and six, Masar and September that and it would be no surprise to see them edge towards the far side.

Mark Johnston has just sent out a debutante to beat the boys at Newmarket and he saddles Nyaleti, an Arch filly who won a useful looking race at Salisbury last week, and she's a solid third favourite at around 9/1.

1417 The Queen has dismounted - or should it be disembarked? - and has made way for the runners in the Chesham Stakes to enter the parade ring.

September is your 6/4 favourite and still on the drift.

Are you tempted? Don't forget this is Sky Bet's Money Back race - just click on the link above.

There's also still time to enter the Pick 7 game - it's free and you could win £100,000 if you've managed somehow to miss the story on site.

1409 There's a short burst of the National anthem as people get to their feet and the gentlemen remove their toppers and then a few cheers ring out as Her Majesty passes the winning post.

The carriages came home a good bit slower than Caravaggio in the Commonwealth Cup yesterday and he is the 13/8 favourite with Sky Bet for the July Cup at Newmarket.

Limato is currently the 5/1 second favourite but that price will obviously be much shorter if he impresses in a few hours' time.

1404 We're underway at Newmarket shortly where our regular columnist Fran Berry has an interesting ride for Ed Dunlop in the opener. 

You can read his thoughts on all his rides today and reflections on Royal Ascot here.

1402 It wasn't so long ago that The Wow Signal was winning the Coventry Stakes for John Quinn but Shaheen has just struck for the Yorkshire handler at Redcar in the same Al Shaqab Racing colours. Every winner counts.

1400 Her Majesty is on her way and the colour is being widely touted in the press room as magenta. Racing advisor John Warren is in the carriage with her but I wonder if he'll get a lift home if Dartmouth gets turned over in the Hardwicke Stakes.....?

1358 Rule Britannia has just morphed into Land Of Hope And Glory - is this what the last night of the proms is like? 

1356 The countdown is on to the Queen's arrival and I heard a ringmaster in the parade ring (I didn't stop to identify her) ratcheting up the tension in the crowd and there's no doubt that the atmosphere is building.

I did pass the time of day with a few old colleagues from Weatherbys who are here on a charabanc trip from Wellingborough and watched the world go by.

The fashion choice of no socks (does the Ascot dress code cover this) and boat shoes got a resounding thumbs down from the assembled congregation but there is a remarkable assortment of colours, sizes and outfits of any manner of description.

One suspects the Queen will be more traditionally attired but what colour will the hat be?

1351 Last year's Chesham Stakes winner, of course, went on to win a couple of Guineas into the bargain and word reaches me that Churchill, a bit of a primadonna by all accounts, didn't eat up after his defeat in the St James's Palace but that is perhaps no great surprise to anyone who watched his rather lacklustre defeat.

It's to be hoped that we see another clash between he and his conqueror Barney Roy before the season is out.

1320 Sky Bet have just released a few antepost markets including the Irish Oaks, Bunbury Cup and Nunthorpe, with Tuesday's King's Stand scorer Lady Aurelia even-money favourite for the latter contest.

Today's Chesham Stakes favourite, September, is available at 25/1 to win next year's Investec Oaks.

1311 I am going to leave you for a short while and stretch these old legs of mine and peruse some of the fashion that has helped to make these five days in the British Sporting Calendar so famous.

Back soon.

1308 The top four or five are very solid in the market with the globetrotting Qewy back to prove those wins Down Under weren't the only tricks that he's got in his locker (he was second in last year's Ascot Stakes too) with 'stablemate' Winning Story and 2015 winner Oriental Fox also set to line up.

1305 And that just leaves the small matter of the Queen Alexandra Stakes to bring the curtain down on this year's proceedings.

A Conditions Race over an extended two miles five furlongs that doesn't always appeal to everyone but I doubt that Willie Mullins is among them having won two of the last five renewals.

One of those winners, Simenon, did the same double that Thomas Hobson is attempting but he didn't have to beat a horse that was second in the Epsom Derby!

1258 Back to the Wokingham and Simon Holt, whose tips haven't had a plug thus far, is keen on top-weight Certificate.

I must admit I can't see that one myself but there is a reason my moniker doesn't sit on top of a tipping column.

Polybius is a prime example and he is a horse I've always had a soft spot for. I backed him when his stablemate won the Wokingham in 2015 and a few other times besides. 

He was rated as high as 108 after running Eastern Impact close in a Group Three over C&D in 2015 and is down to 101 on his fourth start for David Simcock with the first three having come at Meydan.

Simcock has already won one valuable handicap this week and I wouldn't rule out Polybius providing him with another, I have to back him, even for old times' sake.

1252 One of the highlights of the day is the Royal Ascot - Carriage List has just dropped and they'll be making their way down the course in a little over an hour.

I can't match Will's many butter gags from the last two days but present today there is a Sir and Lady Rake who sound rather like they may have come out of a Jilly Cooper novel - Rake by name, rake by nature?

1249 Are you playing each-way in the Wokingham? My plans here were partially ripped up by Culturati being taken out on Friday as I'd been leaning towards backing both him and Projection given they were on opposite sides of the track.

I was also quite keen on the idea of Raucous who was around 20s on Thursday night but Moore's mount is now just 11/1 and vying for favouritism and my response to that is 'meh' (which some of my younger colleagues tell me is the appropriate word of choice).

1246 Magical Memory was favourite for this race last year and only narrowly beaten in fourth. He chased Tasleet home last time and should be all the better for that run. 

The quick ground will suit and James Doyle, as he's proved already this week, is a perfectly good substitute for Frankie Dettori. In a roundabout way, I'm saying the Zebedee gelding is my idea of an each-way bet in the race.

1241 Tasleet did Ben Linfoot and his Value Bet column a favour at York and our man has gone back in for William Haggas' charge who is one of four selections today.

Read Value Bet here.

1239 The Diamond Jubilee Stakes (paying 5 places @ 1/5) is no less competitive for all that there are more longshots in the line-up.

If a couple of these early favourites go down then I can see Limato drifting from his current 5/2 despite the presence of Ryan Moore in the saddle and the fast ground playing to his strengths.

For sure there are valid excuses for his runs in Meydan and the USA but he hasn't been seen since the former in March and a little has to be taken on trust despite the brilliance of his win in the July Cup last year.

If he does win, it will be fascinating to hear Moore's thoughts - if we're made privy to them - following Caravaggio's victory yesterday.

1234 I don't know if that's an inspired bit of value hunting or a shot in the dark from a tired and desperate man.

Are you feeling the pace of Royal Ascot? I certainly can't imagine a fifth day at Cheltenham while the Galway Festival - which remains on the bucket list - stretches to a gargantuan seven days.

I'd need to be in training for a year to survive that.

1231 All in all I'm a bit confused which is why I've asked Matt Brocklebank who occupied this seat earlier in the week but is now back in the office.

He says: "Should Stellar Mass really be 50/1? He's 1lb higher than 8/1 shot Dal Harraild and has gone well fresh in the past. Third in last year's Irish Derby and likes quick ground.

"Jim Bolger reckons he'll win a (weak) Group 1 this year and the trip was too short on his comeback but subsequent break a bit of a concern maybe."

1227 The Stoute 'second string' Across The Stars also has plenty going for him if you are of the belief that his reappearance was just a sighter for this race and Olivier Peslier has already reminded everyone of his talents this week with a fine ride on Coronet.

1215 Sky Bet have made Dartmouth their feature Price Boost but there'll surely be plenty of royalists cheering Her Majesty's horse on.

The winner of this race last season, there's a school of thought that he needs slower ground to be seen at his best but he's plenty of form back in the day, albeit at a lower level, on a faster surface.

He is rated the same as Wings Of Desire though and just a pound above Idaho so, on ratings at least, this may not be as cut and dried as the market suggests.

1210 Back to the Wolferton and stables in form and Eve Johnson-Houghton has been having a great time of things.

Eleven winners at 21% in May and six at 18% in June have made this a profitable time for the Oxfordshire handler who runs Scarlet Dragon here.

Remarkably progressive last season, the top-weight hasn't been seen since the Qatar Derby in December but he progressed from 79 to 109 in 2016 and there's no sign that he's finished yet having won his last outing in Britain. 

Apparently this was always the plan and he's been working well and he's another of the more interesting outsiders.

1205 Firstly fine work in bagging a 20/1 winner to save the day. I guess that the on course layers are sticking to the standard EW Ts&Cs in terms of the numbers of  places and I'd imagine they would argue that they can't compete with the online layers.

Maybe time will change their approach and certainly so many of the online firms are offering specials to entice the punter that it may force the hand of the on-course bookies. For example, Sky Bet have extra places on four races today as well as a feature Price Boost at Royal Ascot and the Money Back race (plug, plug, plug).

Some courses now restrict internet access but not all do, especially on the smaller days, and I've been racing with people who bet on their phones rather than on the track.

There is a danger that could wipe out the bookmakers which would be a shame as they do provide some atmosphere on the course.

It's a thorny issue I suspect Stephen but if people do vote with their wallets then it will almost certainly bring about change.

1200 📧 A good day to Stephen who has taken the time to mail, saying: "Hi, had a great day yesterday at the track with my betting day being saved by the Godolphin horse in the last. 

"It was a great day of racing and the Commonwealth Cup was a great race and a highlight of the week. The only thing that took away from the day was the on course bookmakers. The odds and terms they offered all day were a disgrace. I've been for ten years and always knew you had to shop around but this year there was no value. 

"In the first every bookmaker on course was three places. Why will people attend courses if they feel there being ripped off?"

1157 Mike Cattermole has just strolled into the press room which seems like a good point to plug his preview. He's had a cracking week with at least two or three of his headline selections winning, including Caravaggio who was pretty brilliant yesterday.

Click here for The Catt's column.

1155 It's close at the top of the market with Khairaat being knocked off his perch by Kidmenever who could continue a fine week for William Buick and Charlie Appleby.

The four-year-old has not been sighted since Meydan in February (having previously raced in France) but a long absence didn't stop Rare Rhythm from hitting the right note yesterday.

It's fair to see I don't know too much about Kidmenever with a great deal of Meydan having passed me by in the winter but you'd have to respect the money given the week connections have had.

I shall do that.....and ignore it.

1151 I've assumed that last remark was probably tongue in cheek as he's had two Royal runners this week sent off at 100s and 125s but still...

He's dropping down from 12 furlongs to 10 but he's posted decent efforts in Listed races the last twice, including at Ascot, and has his first start in a handicap. Hopefully, he's quick enough to get a pitch from his low draw and in a position to give himself every chance.

1148 That's more than enough for the Chesham Stakes for the time being and it's on to the Wolferton Handicap (5 places 1/5 the odds if 14 run) where I have a sneaky feeling Restorer could run well.

He's carrying my each-way pennies and trainer William Muir could hardly be in better form with five winners in the past fortnight and he told the Racing Post 'I can see him running a big race' adding 'he's probably my best chance of the week'.

1138 Royal Ascot are staging an inaugural Leading Owner Award and I'm sure you've all been following that closely this week.

Godolphin are two up on Coolmore at present but victory for September would halve that gap and it could all rest on US Army Ranger's shoulders in the Queen Alexandra. 

Who'd have thought last year's Derby runner-up would end up there?

1134 One of the more interesting things about September was Seamie Heffernan's post-race remark that he thought she was the first of the Ballydoyle juveniles to win first time up this season.

Given the way that some of the others have improved from their debuts, that doesn't bode too well for the opposition.

If you are a fan of September then you might be interested in the ITV Racing Price Boost which sees her doubled up with Dartmouth at 7/1.

1123 Learn By Heart misses the Chesham and some may not notice if Bartholomeu Dias does given he's as big as 80/1 but should be be?

The answer is probably yes but he was only just over three lengths off Masar at Goodwood and the Charlie Appleby-trained runner is a general 11/2 second favourite here.

The Hills runners tend to come on for their debuts and while I'm sure that's true of Appleby's horses too, plenty of them have been winning first up so perhaps BD can outrun his odds.

Here's a video of the Goodwood race.

1119 Jim Crowley rides Bartholomeu Dias for Charlie Hills and it's not been the greatest week for either so far but it could all change today.

Crowley has a couple of likely looking rides for his 'guvnor' with Khairaat attempting to defy a 13lb rise for winning at Chester last time. Gossip (and I should have learnt by now to ignore this) reaches me that he's quite sweet on this one but all he says in the official press release is 'I like Khairaat' which is hardly overwhelming.

He is well drawn though and he did make all at Chester and those two things are handy to have in your locker on the round course at Ascot as we've been reminded through the week.

1114 The Chesham is surely made for Sky Bet's Money Back offer (link at the top) as September seems certain to be there or thereabouts according to the market.

Supporters of Alpha Centauri would have received a modicum of compensation for her defeat to Different League yesterday and would have been able to play up the free bets on the next.

The O'Brien filly, and he's won this race with Maybe and saddled Ballydoyle to finish a close second, is odds against with Sky Bet going 5/4 at present.

1109 We flagged up the recent record of the Marble Hill Stakes runners at Royal Ascot in the build-up and the Curragh Listed prize continues to work out well and is represented again today (thanks Matt!).

Brother Bear won it this year and finished close up in the Coventry (would he have won if he'd kept a straight line?) with fourth home Aqabah just behind him in fifth while sixth placed horse Sioux Nation won the Norfolk.

Today it's the turn of Gold Town who attempts to lower the colours of hotpot September in the Chesham Stakes. You can watch the Marble Hill video replay here.

1102 Glancing out of the window, it looks like a different world in the south here - and in so, so many respects it is, with the grass in the infield a parched, straw like colour rather than the verdant green of wetter climes.

The cloud cover is there but they have flat bottoms, which I was told this week means that they won't produce any rain.

You learn something new everyday, or at least we try.

What price some more course records this afternoons?

1054 Fortunately you don't need to rely on me for tips and advice through the day as there's no shortage of opinions on these pages from Ben Linfoot and Murt Khan through to Simon Holt and Mike Cattermole.

You can find links to most of the previews in our comprehensive guide.

1049 A word on the going from the course and there was no overnight watering and no rain. As I passed through Marlow and beyond there were a few spots sufficient to smear the windscreen but not enough to moisten the ground I shouldn't think.

Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels says: "We didn't water overnight. There was the possibility of a shower or two last night and this morning but they haven't come yet.

"I would say the ground will definitely be quicker today. We are Good to Firm at the moment and if it stays dry and breezy, we may go Good to Firm, Firm in places before racing.

"The GoingStick readings are 9.8 on the stands' side, 9.0 in the centre and 9.6 on the far side which tells us that the ground is quickest on the rails, something we have known since Wednesday when it was very hot. The difference between the stands' side and the far side rails is marginal."

1036 While we're talking Sky Bet, their Racing PR Manager Michael Shinners has been previewing the action each day in company with Mike Vince and you can listen to their 'ramblings' via Soundcloud on this link.

1028 The Sky Bet offers aren't restricted to those at the top of the page, that's just a choice selection, but here are a few more along with the market movers.

Market Movers

3:05 Royal Ascot- Pacify 12/1 into 9/1

3:40 Royal Ascot- Idaho 13/2 into 9/2

5:00 Royal Ascot- Squats 22/1 into 16/1 and Out Do 28/1 into 20/1

5:35 Royal Ascot - Us Army Ranger 13/2 into 11/2

1:35 Redcar- Collateral 6/4 into 6/5

2:05 Redcar- Surround Sound 11/1 into 8/1

2:40 Redcar- Chaplin Bay 14/1 into 8/1

3:15 Redcar- Kamra 22/1 into 10/1

4:30 Redcar- Granny Roz 7/2 into 5/2

3:25 Gowran- Kens Well 13/2 into 5/1

5:05 Gowran- Shanpallas 14/1 into 9/1

1:50 Ayr- French Flyer 14/1 into 13/2

2:20 Ayr- Atteq 9/2 into 11/4

3:30 Ayr- Spring Offensive 4/1 into 11/4

3:45 Down Royal- Glongowes 8/1 into 9/2

2:10 Newmarket- Yafta 9/4 into 13/8

3:20 Newmarket- Angels Quest 11/2 into 7/2

5:20 Newmarket- Cold Snap 11/1 into 13/2 and Zamjar 12/1 into 8/1

5:55 Newmarket- King Of Paris 9/1 into 7/1

6:15 Lingfield- Golden Isles 9/1 into 13/2

7:20 Lingfield- Lady Maldiva 40/1 into 28/1

7:50 Lingfield- Medburn Dream 9/4 into 6/4

8:05 Haydock- Sidewinder 7/1 into 5/1

8:35 Haydock- Royal Shaheen 14/1 into 15/2

Price Boosts

1:50 Ayr- Royal Liberty 

2:45 Newmarket- Pumblechook

3:25 Gowran- Top Othe Ra 

4:30 Redcar- Subjective

5:15 Down Royal- Two For Tea 

5:40 Royal Ascot- Dartmouth (Feature boost)

6:30 Haydock- Mabs Cross

8:20 Lingfield- Dealer’s Choise 

Jockey Boosts

R L Moore to ride a double @ Ascot 

P Makin to ride a double @ Ayr 

L Morris to ride a double @ Newmarket

P McDonald to ride a double @ Redcar 

P Mulrennan to ride a double @ Haydock 

Trainer Boosts

Aidan O’Brien to train two winners @ Royal Ascot

1024 A few non-runners to advise you of from Royal Ascot today:

15.40 9 My Dream Boat, 11 Second Step

17.00 27 Culturati

17.35 8 Grumeti, 11 Montaly

1021 If this were Glastonbury I'd be arguing that they'd saved the headline act until last but I'm not sure that's entirely true of today's racing or the blog chair.

I feel a little bit more like Busted disappearing to the Avalon Stage in mid-afternoon as half the festival camp are still coming to their senses.

This knowledge did, of course, come via the radio on the drive south this morning as opposed to any deepseated knowledge of Busted's movements or their oeuvre.

1015 Good morning, good morning. 

I've got nothing to say but it's ok, good morning, good morning

Well it is the 50th anniversary of Sergeant Pepper's this month. I haven't listened to that album since it disappeared along with my car from a city centre car park a few years ago.

The wandering in a dazed state around the car park looking for my car is a little how I've felt about looking for winners at Royal Ascot this week but we've got six more races to try and crack it and if you can help, or would just like to share tales of glory or woe, then you can e-mail me, Ian, on the address towards the top of this page.