Royal Ascot Day 3 - Preview + Picks

Norfolk Stakes - LONDON BOY (e/w), AFJAN (e/w)

LONDON BOY (e/w) - Amo Racing have a really good return rate in this rate and this 1 raced colt could add a big price winner into their record. Did not go off as favourite but still managed to impress on debut at Brighton at odds of 15/8. He holds some fancy entries including a group 1. Stall 1 for this and not favoured in the market as is currently 33/1. Will not to get out quick and get a prominent position will need to have learnt from debut but is overpriced.

AFJAN (e/w) - Made such a good impression on debut over in France. Could have plenty more if learning from debut, has a wicked turn of foot, could be concerns about ground but over a stiff 5f I don't think it will have as much impact as say a 2m race. Also, is a son of Mehmas so you can assume that the ground won't be a worry, could be a serious contender (8/1), looks hard to beat the favourite in Charles Darwin but could definitely make him work for the win.

King George V Stakes - MERCHANT + BOATSWAIN (e/w)

MERCHANT - Has had form major boosted and now his mark looks lower than what it should be. Was super impressive last out when upped to this trip, could have more to offer here and conditions will suit, stall 20 will be tricky but if there's no trouble in running then he should get very close.

BOATSWAIN (e/w) - Stall 1 could prove beneficial in this race if played correctly, has been unlucky not to be 3/3 in his races. Was only beaten by a short head on penultimate race by Masai Moon when actually getting a small bump before reaching the line and making it awkward for jockey. This distance is definitely worth a try when looking at how he ended both his previous starts. At 50/1 it could be unreal value if proving to be slightly better over this distance, when seeing that Masai Moon is only 12/1 it makes it hard to argue how this isn't great value. If it runs into a place which it has a great chance of doing then the returns will be big.

Ribblesdale Stakes - CATALINA DELCARPIO + CASPI STAR (e/w)

CATALINA DELCARPIO - Has only had 2 runs but has put in two good performances and most notably the one last out where she didn't have the best passage through and still got up for 2nd. In that race she was clear from the rest and the winner is now a 106 rated filly. A step up in trip looked like it will help and this 1m4f should be perfect, to do what she did last time out in a group 3 on just her second start is very impressive and if growing on that performance, she looks the one to beat.

CASPI STAR (e/w) - More exposed that others and therefore, potentially overlooked in the market. However, when looking at form, she ran a huge race in the Cheshire Oaks, she was forced wide round Chester and stayed on late. That could mean that this step up to 1m4f will help and get the best out of her. She ultimately came 3rd in the Cheshire Oaks and was only beaten 2 Lengths, the winner went on to be an impressive winner of the Oaks.

Gold Cup - TRAWLERMAN

TRAWLERMAN - Has all the form here with the clashes he has with Kyprios, he doesn't have to worry about him this year and instead has rivals of Illinois who is stepping up to a big 5f extra than what he's used to. He also would not be running if Kyprios was not retired and so (on paper) they are expecting Illinois to be on par or if not better in order to beat Trawlerman at his best. I cannot see that happening. The next best rival is Candelari who is a French challenger, this is the one I think is the biggest threat but I'm happy to take on simply based off the form of TRAWLERMAN who looked better than ever last out and also has hard ground to prove that it will take to.

Britannia Stakes - ARABIAN STORY (e/w)

ARABIAN STORY (e/w) - Impressive on British debut, could have plenty more of improvement after that run and may be better than mark it's been given. Conditions may also suit and could further add to its chances, at 9/1 it's a great e/w play.

Hampton Court Stakes - DETAIN

Detain - Ran a huge race last out in a group 1, others in this race need to find more as some group 1 from coming into a group 3 here. Looks to be ground versatile and so that won't be a worry, Colin Keane takes the ride and should at least be in the places. Has a huge chance.

Buckingham Palace Stakes - GLENEAGLE BAY (e/w)

GLEANEAGLE BAY (e/w) - Now with AMO Racing and has had great form before with couple unlucky 2nds at this distance and only been upped 3lb from a good 3rd over course and distance last out. 3lb rise seem lenient considering how strongly it finished that race and so more could come from this horse again and could improve further. No doubts over ground and conditions are actually perfect and at an e/w price of 6/1 its all positives for this selection.