Raoyal Ascot Tips: Atzeni to sparkle on board Crystal

14.30 – Natural 12/1 – 1pt each-way

As her name suggests, Richard Hannon’s filly took to the racing game in taking fashion when easing clear at Doncaster on her debut at the start of the month. Well supported before the off, she was obviously well thought of by connections and proved them correct with a smart performance. The Irish contingent will take some beating but her trainer Richard Hannon excels with his 2yo’s and won this race two years ago.

15.05 – Crystal Ocean 11/4 – 2 points

The form of this year’s Derby received a boost yesterday with Benbatl’s (fifth) win in the Hampton Court Stakes and there are a number of those who finished behind the Godolphin runner that day doing battle again today. However, of more interest is Sir Michael Stoute’s runner who missed the Epsom classic despite a strong showing in the Dante (1/2 length behind Benbatl). Having only his fourth career run today, the step up to a mile and a half will suite and he comes here with all the boxes ticked.

15.40 – Blue Point 11/4 w/o the favourite – 1 point

This looks a straight shoot-out between the three at the top of the market. The unbeaten Caravaggio has already achieved plenty in his short career and could hack up this afternoon but his odds reflect that so it’s wise to look elsewhere. Harry Angel has always been well thought of by his trainer and was a big money purchase from the boys in blue. However, it’s the other Godolphin runner who gets the vote to give the favourite most to think about. Charlie Appleby’s 3yo was only beaten a 1l 3/4 by the dual Guineas winner Churchill as a 2yo and accounted for Harry Angel by over a length when last seen here over C&D, yet is twice the price of Clive Cox’s runner today.

16.20 – Dabyah 15/8 w/o the favourite – 2 points

Another short-priced O’Brien runner means we go in search of value elsewhere and the pin drops on John Gosden’s Group 3 winner. The trainer has had a supreme season with his 3yo fillies including when this daughter of Sepoy landed the Fred Darling at Newbury back in April. Fresh from a 62 day break, she should handle the rattling-fast conditions underfoot and lead home the rest of the field behind the hot-favourite Winter.

17.00 – Count Octave 10/1 – 1 point each-way

Not disgraced last time out in the Chester Vase behind the Derby winner Wings of Eagles, Andrew Balding’s 3yo was doing all his best work late on having been initially outpaced entering the straight. This longer trip coupled with the more galloping nature of the track should see him in better light and on the ratings at least, he sets the standard for the rest of the field to aim at.

17.35 – Start Storm 16/1 – 0.5 points each-way

Has shown a liking for the track with a first and a second from his three starts to date, James Fanshawe’s 5yo should put in another bold bid today. That second came last time out in a Listed contest and although he is perhaps more exposed than others in the race, he rates a solid each-way punt.