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1755: A brilliant day of racing ends with a one-two-three for Aidan O'Brien in one of the most competitive handicaps of the season.

A real pointer towards what lies in store on Friday, with the Ballydoyle team represented by Hermosa, Japan and Ten Sovereigns who are all likely to be short-priced favourites for their respective races.

Thanks for joining us again today and we look forward to bringing you all the stories as they happen tomorrow.

RESULT 5.35 – King George V Stakes

1st SOUTH PACIFIC (22/1)

2nd Constantinople (11/2)

3rd Eminence (25/1)

4th Persian Moon (33/1)

5th Almania (16/1)

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1725: No winner of the ITV7 this afternoon so tomorrow's jackpot becomes a massive £200,000!

Click here to make your selections for free.

1718: Dettori remaining his jovial self after the Britannia: "20 years ago I would have won that!

"He was 16/1 this morning, went off favourite and he gave me a great spin. I've had a good day so I'm not going to cry."

Asked if he knew Dettori was in front, Bentley said: "I did actually. I've probably upset a few people there. I'm probably not the most popular winner of the day."

1708: Ouch - that was pretty close to carnage for the layers. Dettori is denied, but only just! Turgenev scooting clear with two furlongs to run only to be worn down close home by Ralph Beckett's Biometric under Harry Bentley, who celebrates his first every Royal Ascot winner.

The runner-up traded at 1.36 on the Betfair exchange.

Such incredible drama.

RESULT 5.00 – Britannia Stakes

1st BIOMETRIC (28/1)

2nd Turgenev (7/2 favourite)

3rd Fanaar (50/1)

4th Awe (14/1)

5th Numerian (50/1)

6th Will appear here...

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1700: Aweedram unfortunately WITHDRAWN having bolted to the start without his jockey. The look on Ben Linfoot's face is hard to describe. If the Value Bet meastro hadn't had such a good week already, I suspect he'd have thrown his laptop out of the window at that news.

As for the Dettori mount Turgenev, he's a solid 7/2 favourite coming from stall 22. Stand by for Dettori mania.

1635: John Gosden, reflecting on the Gold Cup performance of Stradivarius, said: "Frankie managed to wriggle through a gap. the horse is very classy and that's not his ground in fairness.

"Full marks to a remarkable horse. He's an athlete and he's a charming horse to be around.

"This 47-year-old kid (Dettori) take this to another level, like a Wimbledon semi-final and final. He's riding quite beautifully. He occasionally listens to me, but not too much."

"What a horse, he got me out of trouble," said Dettori.

The million pound bonus is ON again for connections of Sea The Stars.

1628: Sensational scenes at Ascot with Frankie completing the four-timer in great style. Stradivarius travelled like a machine for the red-hot rider and while there was a fleeting moment turning in when he just looked like he might get trapped in a pocket, the brilliant chestnut worked his way out before bounding to the front.

What a magnificent ride once again.

RESULT 4.20 – Gold Cup

1st STRADIVARIUS (Evens)

2nd Dee Ex Bee (7/2)

3rd Master Of Reality (66/1)

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1614: Cross Counter just getting a shade warm and fairly fresh on his first start of the year in Britain.

His trainer Charlie Appleby said on ITV: "He's in great form and his prep has gone spotlessly. I said to James (Doyle) just now to try and get him switched off early."

Good luck to all concerned.

1606: Stradivarius is taking it all in nice and calmly in the pre-parade ring. Dettori is buzzing, obviously, but Gosden looks a shade nervy as you can imagine.

The big, late news on the race is that the aforementioned Called To The Bar will now be ridden by Oisin Murphy, rather than Maxime Guyon. Guyon's plan was delayed from France, reportedly.

1602: Gosden's fears over the ground are falling on deaf ears, with Stradivarius' price continuing to crash.

Away from the Dettori drama, Dee Ex Bee is holding his spot in the market while there are nibbles of support for Called To The Bar for France.

He's not out of it by any means and looks a big price in comparison to Cross Counter on a form line through a Call The Wind, who was four and a half lengths third to him at Longchamp last time having been four and a quarter lengths back when third to Cross Counter in the Dubai Gold Cup.

1550: I missed the fact that it's John Gosden's first Ascot winner of the week.

He said on ITV Racing: "We planned this since she won her maiden in April.

"The ground could be a bit testing for Stradivarius today but this 47-year-old kid (Dettori) is riding out of his skin."

1545: Wow. Lots to weigh up here.

First things first, it's another Value Bet winner for Ben Linfoot who put up Star Catcher at 10/1 in yesterday's column.

And it's ANOTHER winner for Frankie Dettori, his 65th Royal Ascot winner and his third from the first three races today.

Just sensational riding and the big thing in the Ribblesdale is that, while Sangarius was simply too good for his rivals in the Hampton Court, this was a masterful ride. Brilliant, to see seize the initiative when he did and ride Star Catcher out to see off Fleeting.

The winner just wandered a shade and forced the favourite to switch late on, but the damage was done.

RESULT 3.40 – Ribblesdale Stakes

1st STAR CATCHER (4/1)

2nd Fleeting (7/4 favourite)

3rd Sparkle Roll (11/1)

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1536: Queen Power was a little bit lively in the preliminaries and hasn't been the easiest to deal with for Silvestre De Sousa. Fleeting looks an absolute picture.

1532: It's been a big week for Danny Tudhope and his overall profile. Bit of a shame he's not riding at Royal Ascot this afternoon but he's not resting on his laurels. Tudhope is really building a nice partnership with William Haggas when required and there's a strong suggestion that he was in line for Sea Of Class had Masar run in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes on Wednesday.

1528: Star Catcher understandably proving extremely popular against Oaks third Fleeting in the next race, but followers of our Antepost Angle will have half an eye on Fanny Logan. Our antepost expert Matt Brocklebank argued a case for her at a big price a couple of weeks ago, writing...

"Her form with Mehdaayih last season – when beaten a neck by her stablemate on debut at Yarmouth – is strong and while she was beaten over five lengths by the same rival in the Cheshire Vase when last seen, there was enough in that run to suggest she remains a significant talent.

She was the choice of Frankie Dettori at Chester, for a start, while she ran a big race in the circumstances as she was too keen early on having been lit up by her jockey to try and make the most of stall one.

It back-fired late in the race as she lost her pitch turning in before getting her second wind close home but, having ended up just a length behind Manuela De Vega that day, she’s seemingly underestimated."

1524: Surely people like Dettori don't get superstitious...

He said: "He (Sangarius) had to fight his way out, but I just hope I haven't used up all my luck before Stradivarius (in the Gold Cup)."

1515: TIMBER! The odds on Dettori's mounts to come later today are falling like trees, bookmakers running for cover with hints of his Magnificent Seven developing. Six races today, I know, but you get the picture with the opening race double already paying 44/1.

Star Catcher is now 4/1 for the Ribblesdale, due off next up at 3.40.

1510: He's at it again - Dettori strikes with an early day-three double as Sangarius storms to a clear-cut victory in the Hampton Court.

He got first run on the likes of Fox Chairman and King Ottokar, but the truth is that Sir Michael Stoute's horse was simply in a different league to his rivals.

Last month's Sandown spin clearly put him spot for this target. When Stoute pitches a horse like him into the Dewhurst as he did last season then you just know he's going to come good before long.

RESULT 3.05 – Hampton Court Stakes

1st SANGARIUS (13/2)

2nd Fox Chairman (7/2 favourite)

3rd King Ottokar (5/1)

4th Eightsome Reel (25/1)

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1502: They're at the start for the Hampton Court and Fox Chairman will be favourite despite strong support for Cape Of Good Hope late on.

1500: The likes of Fox Chairman, Cape Of Good Hope and Sangarius (Dettori factor?) all positive in the betting for the Hampton Court Stakes but perhaps the most interesting mover is Aidan O'Brien's second strong Old Glory.

He cost a king's ransom and won first time out last year but the son of Frankel hasn't quite gone on as hoped. He ran better when a close third at the Curragh last time and is clearly expected to relish the ground conditions at Ascot.

The wide draw shouldn't be a significant issue but passing horses late on hasn't been easy this week on the round course and it'll all be whether he can get some sort of track position early on.

1455: Dettori said on ITV Racing after the first: "He was travelling so good, he did everything like a professional, he maybe idled a bit in front.

"I'm pleased to get a winner for Simon, I was with him for over 20 years at Godolphin so I'm delighted."

1450: No decisions yet over Phoenix Of Spain but a step up in distance and the Coral-Eclipse may have to come under consideration now following his disappointing run in the St James's Palace Stakes on Tuesday.

1445: Fair play to Crisford and the team as he claims a second Royal Ascot winner in as many years following Ostilio's win in the Britannia 12 months ago.

Obvious disappointments in the race were Sunday Sovereign, Mount Fuji and Air Force Jet who never really looked like winning.

1438: Another day, another Dettori winner. Fabulous stuff for Frankie who guides the well-backed maiden A'Ali home for Simon Crisford. He's the first maiden to win the Norfolk for three decades.

Heart goes out to Richard Fahey whose Ventura Rebel was gaining all the way to the line, ultimately going down just a neck after not getting a clean run through the race.

RESULT 2.30 – Norfolk Stakes

1st A'ALI (5/1)

2nd Ventura Rebel (16/1)

3rd Dubai Station (14/1)

4th Strive For Glory (50/1)

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1425: Enough of Peter Reid and his drinking habits, the Norfolk Stakes is moments away. Sunday Sovereign is extremely strong in the betting but the late whispers from the track are that Mount Fuji is hotly fancied.

Doesn't take a genius to work out that Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore have a big chance in a juvenile race at Ascot but it's a positive word for the grey, who looks on his toes beforehand.

1415: That's the spirit, Peter.

1400: The Queen's hat market looked a bit iffy with the on-course layers just shown on ITV Racing, but if you followed the money with grey-silver at 6/4 then you can go and collect. Someone's clearly seen her this morning haven't they, maybe while fuelling up at the Esso.

1340: Some more quite heavy rain falling again at Ascot. When will it stop! We were promised fast ground by the weekend...

1320: As mentioned earlier, it's a big day for John Gosden who is still seeking his first winner of the week. Royal Ascot winners are something he knows well, though...

Video courtesy of our friends at QIPCO British Champions Series.

1310: Another key scratching with Maven a non-runner in the opening Norfolk Stakes. The ground deemed too soft for Wes Ward's American Pharoah colt.

1300: Mike Cattermole is sensing an upset in the Gold Cup today and he's backing that man Ian Williams to pull one out of the fire with Magic Circle.

Williams is fast-becoming one of the best dual-purpose trainers in the land and there's a bit of money around for last year's Chester Cup hero today.

1240: The going is Soft (Good to soft in places) and that's deemed too soft for Joseph O'Brien's BUCKHURST in the Hampton Court (3.05). Two don't go in that race now after Headman's earlier defection, also on account of the going, which is a shame. Thirteen go to post and Fox Chairman is your 7/2 favourite for Andrew Balding.

1208: Fran Berry has been in decent form this week after a winner on each of the first two days (Arizona and Crystal Ocean) and he's previewed today's action in the column below. We're just about to contact him for his Friday and Saturday thoughts so here's hoping he's not tucking into a prawn sandwich and glass number four of champagne...

1155: Key quotes time, including some strong lines in the Gold Cup.

Here's Charlie Appleby on Melbourne Cup and Dubai Gold Cup hero Cross Counter...

"He's a horse that has done well from three to four, and I don't think he's plateaued out. What he's done over two miles, you cannot fault him. Stepping up in trip again, you don't know, but if he improves for it then it opens up even more possibilities."

Click on the image below for all the big-race trainer musings.

1145: Simon Holt is sweet on one in the last race today and that is the very well backed Sir Ron Priestley, who was nominated by Mark Johnston in a recent interview as potentially one of his best chances of the week.

The Middleham man struck with 18/1 shot Raffle Prize yesterday in the Queen Mary so confidence is obviously high and Sir Ron comes here - for the King George V Handicap - on a steep upward curve following handicap wins at Ripon (good) and Haydock (good to firm) this season.

A slight question over whether the son of Australia will relish today's going, but it's not putting people off seemingly and he's now 9/2 joint-favourite with Sky Bet alongside Sinjaari.

The notable drifter in the same race is Aidan O'Brien's top weight Constantinople, with money also coming for John Gosden's Questionare and Paul Cole's Majestic Dawn.

It's a big day for Gosden, who has yet to register a winner at Ascot this week. You can't keep a man like him down and surely it's only a matter of time.

1138: A trip down memory lane with our very own columnist Richard Fahey. Try to ignore the clanking noises of a hungry infant in the background and this is a genuinely enjoyable piece.

1122: Today's selections from our tipping team, featuring Oli Bell, Ed Chamberlin and Ben Linfoot.

1100: On the subject of Murphy...

Currently leading the race to be crowned champion jockey, he hasn't had many setbacks in his career, but he suffered one on Sunday when he failed a breath test before racing at Salisbury. Speaking on TV yesterday about what he called "a very embarrassing situation" and his steadfast determination to be a role model, he duly went on to deliver a power-packed ride to win the Queen's Vase on Dashing Willoughby.

1036: Luck On Sunday included some fascinating insight once again at the weekend and among the topics covered was where racing might turn once Frankie Dettori and Her Majesty the Queen - two figures who really transcend the sports - once they are gone.

It's a big issue and obviously another Frankel would do nicely but that seems highly unlikely for some time now and even the horses don't hang around for year after year in the great Flat game.

Chris Hughes continues to do some sterling work on ITV Racing's social stable, but... well he's probably not the answer with all due respect and it'll be interesting to see in the racing world puts their hand up in the years to come. Oisin Murphy was on the LOS panel and is obviously among those bidding for poster-boy status in the long run.

For now, let's enjoy Frankie and the Queen for everything they currently do that's good for the game.

1028: If at first you don't succeed...

Ascot is clearly a track that lends itself to course specialists and once again that was borne out as Afaak won the Royal Hunt Cup. Second in the race 12 months ago for Charlie Hills, he was making his seasonal reappearance and won on the nod from Clon Coulis, ridden by Jamie Spencer - widely regarded as the man who rides the straight course better than anyone. Just 24 hours on from Lord Glitters going one better than in the Queen Anne, backing horses with previous Ascot form looks the way to go for the rest of the week.

Which leads us onto today's Norfolk Stakes and Richard Fahey's Ventura Rebel, who won here on trials day, beating Wes Ward's Lady Pauline.

1020: Interested in what ITV Racing's lead man Ed Chamberlin has to say about today's feature races?

In the timeless words of Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve's Lumiere, be our guest.

1010: Switching attentions to Saturday and it seems Tuesday's King's Stand hero Blue Point will attempt to double up for the week in Saturday's Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

Fantastic stuff from Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. You've got to go back to Choisir in 2003 for the latest horse to do the double in the same year but very few attempt it.

Interesting to note that Le Brivido also runs on Saturday, dropping back from a mile after running on in Tuesday's Queen Anne Stakes.

1005: So there's a wave of support for Cross Counter, with Stradivarius seemingly on the drift on account of the testing ground, and it's worth pointing out that they'd had a deluge of rain which affected the going when Cross Counter won the Melbourne Cup last season.

Other obvious positives for the Godolphin runner are that he beat Dee Ex Bee at Goodwood last season, while his latest performance - when winning the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan - has thrown up two subsequent winners in Gold Mount, who took the Sky Bet Ebor trial in taking fashion, and Red Galileo, who landed a big handicap at Newmarket over the weekend.

Here are Cross Counter's victories at Flemington and Meydan in case you needed a refresher...

0955: Today's market movers courtesy of Sky Bet. As you can see the Irish hot-pot Sunday Sovereign is very strong in the betting in the opening Norfolk Stakes, while it's all about Cross Counter in the Gold Cup.

Elsewhere it's Value Bet selections Kick On and Aweedram who have attracted significant support in the Hampton Court and Britannia Stakes respectively.

14.30 Royal Ascot – Sunday Sovereign 7/4 from 2/1

15.05 Royal Ascot – Kick On 11/1 from 16/1

16.20 Royal Ascot – Cross Counter 7/2 from 9/2

17.00 Royal Ascot – Aweedram 14/1 from 25/1

0935: It's not too late to have a listen to the latest Podcast, which includes a look ahead to the key races on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. So that's handy isn't it.

0920: It is of course Gold Cup day and our team of experts got their heads together over the weekend to discuss the big race. Sadly there's a lengthy discussion over Kew Gardens and his merits of getting two and a half miles but he wasn't declared so you'll just have to focus on the sections concerning the likes of Stradivarius, Cross Counter and Dee Ex Bee.

0918: Wednesday June 19 was also a very special day for our very own Ben Linfoot, who celebrated his birthday with a huge double and a 50/1 each-way placing.

Looking back at the run of Glasvegas (sent off 25/1 having been put up at 50s) in the Windsor Castle, there's a small argument for him being unlucky in the run, but you can't live your Ascot week in that frame of mind, or you might just drive yourself insane.

A couple of today's Value Bet selections have shortened a bit in the market already, but it's still well worth a read and you can do exactly that by clicking on the image below.

0914: Blue Point and Battaash really lit up the opening afternoon, with Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore bagging a double, and yesterday it was over to Frankie Dettori to assume his position in the Royal Ascot spotlight.

The Prince Of Wales's Stakes was billed as a match between the fillies but Frankie and Sir Michael Stoute had other ideas with a gutsy performance from Crystal Ocean who really deserved that Group One moment.

0900: A marvellous sight. Clear skies - relative to the past couple of days anyway - over the course at Ascot.

The ground remains Soft, Good to Soft in places but we're just about set fair for the final three days of the Royal meeting and, although it's hard to believe given all the thrills and spills we've witnessed already this week, there's still an awful lot to look forward to.

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