Nick Luck’s blog: Singer Simmering up a big performance

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck picks out his best bets on Day Four of Royal Ascot.

Friday, Royal Ascot

SIMMERING looks a viable alternative at 12/1 to the favourite in the Albany (2.30pm). Clearly strongly fancied to win at York on her debut, inexperience ultimately cost her, but for which she probably would have won. Given the winner has gone onto win a Group 3, that was a useful effort, and normal improvement should see her placed at least in a race where few can be fancied.

INISHERIN is a really smart horse and can win the Commonwealth Cup (3.05pm) at 11/4. Any reservations you might have about his ability to act on this faster surface are set aside by his pedigree, while the ease with which he glided through his first try at sprinting was very compelling. The stable is in fine form.

OPERA SINGER is a shortish price at 9/4, but she could really turn it on today (3.45pm). Her Boussac win has taken a few form knocks, but she was stylish in victory on what was a firm surface (official description does not match clock). I was struck by Aidan’s comment that “Ryan could be more confident in her fitness today,” and the stable’s big guns have fired all week.

SHADOW DANCE looks to have possibilities at 6/1 in the Duke of Edinburgh (4.25pm). It looks as though he’s been saved for this to preserve his mark, which could end up quite a bit higher. He looked pretty smart on nice ground when winning last autumn, following up with a fine effort at Newmarket. He’s far from exposed, in good hands, and a wide draw is way less of a disadvantage as the week progresses.

KITTY ROSE (15/2) is a pretty good filly to be running in the Sandringham, and can defy a big weight (5.05pm). She is well up to pattern class, looks tailor made for this stiff mile, and will have no issues with a faster surface. The jockey booking is clearly no negative either.

MONDO MAN is a sporting shot at 18/1 in the Edward VII (5.40pm). He’s no mug judged on a fast finishing fifth in the Prix du Jockey Club, and has come a pretty long way in a short time. Ground is unknown as he has never raced on it, but pedigree gives some encouragement and William Buick keeps the ride.

SHAGRAAN (10/1) is one of many on the shortlist for the Palace of Holyroodhouse (6.15pm). He’s taken another step forward for his new stable this year and looks sure to be suited by the drop back to five furlongs.