Nick Luck’s blog: Trawlerman can have the last Laugh in Gold Cup

William Hill ambassador casts his expert eye over Day Three’s card from Royal Ascot.

Thursday, Royal Ascot

AESTERIUS is the pick at 14/1 in the opening Norfolk Stakes on Thursday at Royal Ascot (2.30pm), where as with every opening contest at Royal Ascot William Hill are offering their Top Price Guarantee. His trainer went mighty close to landing the Coventry on Tuesday, and this colt made a striking debut at Bath, lengthening impressively. He is a powerful colt with a raking stride, and it’s hard to imagine this course won’t suit miles better, while appreciating that Bath will have taught him plenty.

ASSAILANT is a big swing at 20/1 in the King George V (3.05pm). Loads are legitimate contenders here, but the selection has the profile and pedigree to do well in this type of race, and has been gelded since looking a bit tricky in the spring (still showed useful and progressive form) when the stable was in indifferent form. They’re finding that form this week, and he looks overpriced.

SIYOLA is another Gosden runner that I can see massively outrunning her odds (14/1) in the Ribblesdale (3.45pm). She was behind Diamond Rain at Newbury, but was a bit fresh there and paid for that late having travelled well. Her dam was a Royal Ascot winner, and she now has a scenario that should suit, as she’ll be able to get cover in what is sure to be a very well run race. I was impressed with her Sandown debut and she is worth another chance.

TRAWLERMAN makes quite a bit of each way appeal at 7/1 in the Gold Cup (4.25pm). Already a winner here when defeating the idling Kyprios, everything about him suggests that an extreme distance could squeeze out even more. He ran a terrific race from a bad draw in Dubai, and has a sound record off a break and on a quick surface.

MICKLEY looks a live one in the Britannia (5.05pm). His stable continues to impress, and they have brought this one along with precision timing. He beat a fair field very impressively at Doncaster, should come on again for a step up to a mile, and has one of the most underrated jockeys around on his back. He has a big chance at 14/1 from a draw that gives options.

BRACKEN’S LAUGH (11/2) has been campaigned with the Hampton Court in mind (5.40pm) and this looks a great spot. Everything is perfect for him conditions-wise, and the booking of Danny Tudhope is a major plus. He’ll get a waiting ride and a ground saving trip and he comes here off a nice rest.

DIVINE LIBRA looks a solid choice at 10/1 in the last (6.15pm). There aren’t as many unexposed as you would think here and this gelding is very reliable under these conditions from what could be a decent draw. Ryan Moore has been booked.