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Royal Ascot Day 2 Preview

J A McGrath
Godolphin have an array of bright prospects but the spotlight on the second day of Royal Ascot is shining on the Japanese superstar A Shin Hikari, who heads the runners for the G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes.

Godolphin have an array of bright prospects but the spotlight on the second day of Royal Ascot is shining directly on the Japanese and their new superstar A Shin Hikari, who heads the runners for the G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes.

What better credentials can any horse have this week? He is a last start winner of the G1 Prix d'Ispahan at Chantilly in heavy ground, by 10 lengths. It was his first start since winning the G1 Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin in December.

He can race from the front, or sit in behind, and this son of Deep Impact has won 10 of his 12 starts. It will go down in the annals of Royal Ascot history as a landmark victory if he triumphs against a small but classy field in this year's G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes.

Godolphin rely on the versatile Tryster, who comes here off the back of a creditable third in the G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan in March, but the challenge this time will be even greater. Found is not racing as well this season, but she is still a danger.

Team Godolphin have a particularly strong hand on the second day, starting with Ribchester in the opening race, the G3 Jersey Stakes. This talented three-year-old finished third in the G1 2,000 Guineas and by-passed the G1 St James's Palace Stakes to concentrate on the seven-furlong Jersey. I believe he can cope with the 5lb penalty.

In the G2 Queen Mary Stakes, Wesley Ward's American challenge with sharp filly Lady Aurelia may come unstuck because of the ground. I have no doubt that if it had been fast ground at Ascot this week that she would have been a major player.

I liked the look of Barroche when she won a maiden at Bath recently, but it was on ground very different to what she encounters this time. Even so, she might still be worth some consideration.

Godolphin are arguably strongest in the G2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes, run on the straight mile. Andre Fabre is on record as saying Usherette is one of the best fillies he has ever trained, which is a fine compliment to pay this handsome filly. She is very good.

Devonshire and Always Smile are last start winners, and Lucida has always possessed great class. All four should run well but my preference is for Usherette.

Portage won his last start over a mile and a quarter on good to firm ground at the Curragh, but he is a past winner over the Ascot mile on soft going. He is in sparkling form and can beat Convey.

Godolphin also have an excellent chance of landing the last race, too. The Listed Sandringham Handicap looks ideal for Anamba, who won well on her seasonal debut over seven furlongs at Naas. She has been diverted to this from the G1 Coronation Stakes.

Royal Ascot Day 2 Preview