Royal Ascot 2018 tipping guide: St George has fire to slay Gold Cup rivals

At first glance the betting suggests Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore will dominate again at Royal Ascot this week, as they have for much of the last decade. They have been much shorter prices to finish the meeting as the top trainer and jockey in recent seasons, however, and must contend with both a resurgent Godolphin, fresh from their win in the Derby with Masar, and John Gosden, whose stable jockey Frankie Dettori can scent a first riders’ title since 2004.

If there is a banker in O’Brien’s squad for the meeting’s eight Group One races, it is surely Order Of St George, first and second in the last two runnings of Thursday’s Gold Cup. Order Of St George does not have to contend with Big Orange this year, who edged him out 12 months ago thanks to a brilliant front-running ride by James Doyle, but Stradivarius is a major threat for Gosden and Dettori. Order Of St George’s proven form at this trip tips the balance in his favour at around 2-1 but it promises to be an outstanding spectacle with the excellent Vazirabad also on the premises.

O’Brien’s remaining favourites for Group One events are much bigger prices, and either have a question to answer – as is the case with Clemmie in the Coronation Stakes – or several very credible opponents.

Rhododendron scraped home by a nose from Lightning Spear in the Lockinge and is 3-1 to follow up in the opening Queen Anne Stakes but Recoletos, at 6-1, makes more appeal at the odds after two accomplished wins dropping back from 10 furlongs. Clemmie, meanwhile, was behind Alpha Centauri in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and the winner will be a worthy opponent even if Clemmie is back to her very best.

Elsewhere in the main events Cracksman looks very short for a horse who was not travelling from an early stage in the Coronation Cup last time. Eminent was found to be suffering from a fibrillating heart after finishing last at Chester’s May meeting, which may deter some punters, but he is a very fair each-way chance at around 12-1 if, like many horses before him, he can put that behind him.

Battaash boiled over before the Nunthorpe last year but he looked more settled before the Temple Stakes last time and has the beating of Lady Aurelia in the King’s Stand Stakes at his best.

Without Parole missed the 2,000 Guineas but has a big chance to gain compensation in Tuesday’s St James’s Palace Stakes, while in the handicaps, Stratum (Ascot Stakes) and Dreamfield (Wokingham) have obvious chances and Thursday’s Haydock winner Escobar would be a big contender if he lines up under a penalty in Wednesday’s Royal Hunt Cup.

Doncaster 2.10 Storm Ahead 2.40 Look Around 3.10 White Light 3.40 Equitation (nb) 4.10 Ashington 4.40 Valentino Dancer 5.10 Cape Liberty (nap)

Salisbury 2.25 Unbridled Spirit 2.55 Acquirer 3.25 Given Choice 3.55 Sunsprite 4.25 Dancing Star 4.55 Great Shot Sam 5.25 Maygold

Tips by Chris Cook.