ROYAL ASCOT 2025 - DAY 2 PREVIEW + PICKS

Queen Mary Stakes - ZELAINA + VIAMARIE (E/W)

Zelaina - was super impressive on debut after having a lot of hype around her before running. She cost a big 650,000 as a 2 year old and proved the hype correct as she won debut very nicely by nearly 3 Lengths. The stable have won this race twice in three years and one of the winners were Leovanni who had previously won the same race as Zelaina before coming here and winning this race. So, can Zelaina start her career the same as Leovanni? I think so.

Zelaina's Debut Win

Viamarie - Is a huge 40/1 for this race and so it may be outclassed here, however, was eye-catching on debut and was heavily backed showing that there was some promise there. It won its debut easily and quickened nicely and never looked like losing. A faster pace may suit it better and it may find it in this race as it looks as if it should have good high cruising speed, could be outclassed but has had time off and if growing and improving on its debut it could run into a place.

Queens Vase - Carmers (e/w) + Scandinavia (e/w)

Carmers - This colt is 2/2 and has won around this distance of 1m6f winning both of his 1m5f races in good style and is unexposed. Could take another step forward here against some that have some stamina and distance worries and questions. Won a listed race last out so sets a good standard and is a good e/w angle.

Scandinavia - Very well bred and relished in a step up in trip last time, may improved further again now stepped up in trip again. Not Ryan Moore's pick as he stays on Shackleton, however, Shackleton is being stepped up quite a lot in trip by 4f and so has questions to answer but at the odds I'd rather be with the horse that gives you the most confidence will suit the trip better on paper.

Duke Of Cambridge Stakes - Cinderella's Dream

Cinderella's Dream - Loves and will relish the hard ground as can show off it's speed and stamina. Has a 3lb penalty but that isn't too much to worry about for this classy filly, she is the highest rated in the race and easily has the best form. Not a deep race on paper, Wathnan's horse is the biggest danger but this filly will take a lot of beating.

Prince Of Wales's Stakes - Los Angeles

Los Angeles - This race was very hard to pick a winner in as they are all so close on ratings and seem to be at the same level. However, when looking at Los Angeles last race it would be easy to say that Anmaat was going the best and should do better today. Despite this, if I was in charge of tactics for Los Angeles I'd say to make this a true staying test as it's clearly the best stayer at a fast pace.

Ombudsman is one for the future but doubt a race like this will suit it very well, Map Of Stars may prefer a turn of foot at the end sort of race and will find it hard to pass Los Angeles if he's on top form and Map Of Stars also doesn't have any real form on very hard ground. See The Fire could be the main danger with weight allowance. But Anmaat looked poised last time but couldn't get past Los Angeles and you could argue that this small drop back to a standard 10f will suit better but I feel that he's 7 and last race would've taken a lot out of him. I also think they'll go faster than last out and stamina questions will set in for Anmaat so the pacemaker of Continuous has a huge task.

Royal Hunt Cup - My Cloud (e/w) + Tony Montana (e/w)

My Cloud - Very progressive and you could argue is quite lucky to get in here off a mark of 95. It's form has also been boosted with horses that it has beaten going on to win races in their future races. Very lightly and should further improve, no doubts about course, distance or ground and so will try to make it 3 wins in a row for this season.

Tony Montana - Has been running well but mainly over slightly higher distances. However, its sole run at 1m it lost to none other than Bluestocking. Its looked progressive and this mark suits where its at in terms of ability. Had a close second in both starts this season and is hoping to go 1 better today.

Kensington Palace Stakes - Rainbows Edge + Francophone (e/w)

Rainbows Edge - Very lightly raced, never been out of the top 2 in its career. It shapes as if it will improve even more after its first run of the season which was also a course and distance win and so comes here in good form and no questions to answer.

Francophone - May be good off this mark, its used to 1m2f so stamina may be key if they go a fast pace which will benefit Francophone. Soumillion is booked to ride which is a great jockey and so is a positive. Should be race fit for this and if back to its best will have a good chance.

Windsor Castle Stakes - Rogue Supremacy (e/w) + Utmost Respect (e/w)

Rogue Supremacy - Had a great debut and was backed off the boards going off at 8/13 showing the hype and belief it had before the race and won it very nicely with a great turn of foot. No troubles on debut and so should be a smart type and if building on debut and having no trouble here it looks certain to hit the frame.

Utmost Respect - All went wrong on debut and still came flying to the line and was unlucky to get 2nd and not win. Therefore, if they go fast here, which I'm assuming they will, it will suit this horse as it won't have to pull hard like it did on debut. Debut was only a month ago and so will be good to go for this race, has been supported from 25/1 into 9/1 and so connections and punters clearly think there's more to come from this colt.