5f King Charles III Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) (3yo+)
Asfoora chases back-to-back wins in this race, however she comes here without a UK prep run and off-the-back of a comprehensive defeat in Australia last time out so perhaps she is not quite in the same form as last year.
NIGHT RAIDER remains lightly-raced having only had 8 career starts. He is 4-4 on the all-weather and 0-4 on turf, however I don’t think anyone should write-off his chances as a turf sprinter as he put in one hell of a run in the Group 2 Duke Of Clipper Logistics stakes over 6f last time out on his first start of the season. He was only beaten late in that contest having led from the front by two classy performers in the shape of Inisherin and the improving Flora Of Bermuda. The drop back in trip should suit Night Raider and he has a chance of leading this from the front.
Mgheera does have an improving profile about her and she could be suited by the stiff finish here, but while she did well to win the Temple Stakes at Haydock, that wasn’t the deepest field and she was match fit getting 8lbs from Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner STARLUST.
Starlust’s connections were very clear that his opening run of the season was a prep run for this contest and he has got his favoured fast conditions here. His form at Ascot isn’t that appealing, but he was running a good race in the Commonwealth Cup over 6f last year before fading late and he also had a strong third place finish in the Group 1 (5f) Nunthorpe Stakes when just finishing behind Believing who has been poorly drawn again here. Starlust has been drawn well in 14 with plenty of pace all around him and whilst he will need a few breaks, I’m expecting a much improved performance and he looks overpriced at 14/1.
1pt win Night Raider @13/2, 1pt win Starlust @14/1, 15:40 Royal Ascot, Tuesday
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