Royal Ascot Day 2 Preview

Every now and again, a rider will find himself jocked up on a horse he considers extremely hard to beat. James Doyle, a member of the Godolphin triumvirate in the weighing room at this week's Royal meeting, feels that way about unbeaten filly Always Smile in Wednesday's Sandringham Stakes, the finale on Day 2.

It is a long week. On the second day, a truly international renewal of the Prince Of Wales's Stakes takes pride of place, but Doyle's eyes are on the Sandringham. In cricketing terms, the shine is off the ball, sweaters are off, sleeves rolled up, the serious sport has commenced.

At this point, the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Always Smile might be just the answer. A daughter of the celebrated Darley stallion Cape Cross (fresh from his Derby triumph with Golden Horn), this filly is unbeaten after three outings, and the form has that cast-iron look to it.

Her most recent outing - her only run so far on turf - resulted in a nice win over one mile at Doncaster. The horses she defeated that day have franked the form in no uncertain terms, the second Sahaafy running out a five-length winner at Newmarket subsequently, and the third, Al Bandar, winning at Epsom by three lengths.

In racing, there are no certainties, and when dealing with handicaps at Royal Ascot, there are no 'good things'. But Doyle puts it this way: "Always Smile is a horse I am really looking forward to riding at the Royal meeting. She has plenty going for her. She is talented, and her form cannot be faulted."

Risen Sun is the second Godolphin entry in the Sandringham and is to be partnered by William Buick.

Five countries are represented in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes. Heading the international list are Criterion an Australian Derby winner, and The Grey Gatsby a French Derby winner. Spielberg, the Japanese six-year-old, won the autumn version of the Tenno Sho, beating Gentildonna, which is no mean feat.

But they may all have to bow to an Irish colt who injury prevented from showing his true colours as a three-year-old. I refer to the Moyglare Stud-owned, Dermot Weld-trained Free Eagle, who has not run since his courageous third in desperately heavy ground in last year's QIPCO Champion Stakes at Royal Ascot.

A slight set-back stopped him running in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last month, but he is back on track and is set to run a big race. With Ryan Moore tied to Sir Michael Stoute's Cannock Chase, Jamie Spencer comes in for the ride on The Grey Gatsby, who was slightly disappointing in Ireland last time.

Criterion, a sporting runner for Australian trainer David Hayes, is one who would prefer getting his toe in. Gailo Chop, owned by OTI and ultimately destined for racing in Australia, is not to be treated lightly, particularly on his good recent form.

In the opening race, the Jersey Stakes, both Toscanini and Devonshire have solid credentials in the Godolphin royal blue, but Ivawood, the Richard Hannon-trained colt, who finished third to Gleneagles in both 2000 Guineas, at Newmarket and the Curragh, is clearly the one to beat. The distance should be perfect for him.

Rah Rah carries the Godolphin colours in the Queen Mary Stakes. Trained by Mark Johnston, she was sharp enough to win at Chester early last month. The William Haggas-trained Besharah is going the right way and has claims in a very open race.

Tough four-year-old filly Rizeena will be attempting a rare hat-trick at the Royal meeting when she lines up for the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes.

This Clive Brittain-trained star won the Queen Mary in 2013, then the Coronation Stakes last year. Buick is charged with the responsibility of trying to carve a niche in history for the filly and her octagenerian trainer by taking a third Royal prize. They have Integral to beat.

The Royal Hunt Cup is the most open heat of the day, but the Victoria Cup winner Speculative Bid is in brilliant form and has gone up only 10lb for that impressive last-to-first victory. His trainer, David Elsworth, won the race in 1990 with Pontenuovo, ridden by Gary Bardwell, in the colours of Walter Mariti, at 50-1.

Elsworth had also saddled the winner seven years earlier, Mighty Fly, ridden by Steve Cauthen, at 12-1. All good things come in 'threes', so they say.