Kevin Stott’s William Hill Blog: King can Steel his race at Royal Ascot

William Hill ambassador and leading jockey Kevin Stott looks ahead to his rides on day four of Royal Ascot.

Royal Ascot, Friday

Up first on Friday is Persian Dreamer in the Group 3 Albany (2.30pm) over six furlongs. She was really impressive on her debut at Newmarket, winning by over three lengths, when there was a bit of cut in the ground. Following that she was a bit disappointing at York in the Marygate, but the ground was far too quick for her and she came back quite jarred up. The York five furlongs was just too sharp for her, so stepping up to six at Ascot won’t be a problem.

She’s a really talented filly, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she won this in a big way.

Next is White Wolf in the Duke Of Edinburgh (3.40pm) over 1m4f. His best form is on the All-Weather but he has also run well on the Turf before, where he’s been at his best with the ground on the softer side. It’s firmer at Ascot this week, but the ground is so beautiful that he shouldn’t have much of an excuse.

He only missed out on a win at Chelmsford recently by a short head, so he remains competitive and should run a solid race. He’s nicely drawn in four, which is a positive, and wouldn’t be without a chance.

In the Group 1 Coronation Stakes (4.20pm), I’m riding Mammas Girl. She was disappointing in the 1000 Guineas last time, but she hated the soft ground and is much better than that form. The firmer going and the Ascot track should suit her far better and we’re keen to give her another go over a mile.

She’s got a huge price of 25/1 and is rated eight pounds lower than the favourite, Tahiyra, but she is just a much better horse on her preferred ground. I think she can step up for this.

Magical Sunset is next in the Sandringham (5.00pm). She’s another with long odds of 25/1, but she flew home up the hill at Epsom last time in the Surrey Stakes for fourth place, putting her best work in late on. She steps up to a mile for the first time here, which shouldn’t be too difficult for her, and she’s still improving. Let’s see how she goes.

In the Group 2 King Edward VII (5.35pm) is my best chance of the day and maybe even of the week; King Of Steel. He’s come out of the Derby (where he finished second by just half a length to Auguste Rodin) really well, which is a good start.

We’re not going to know how much he will find for this until he’s running, but his effort in the Derby really was amazing. He’s such a talented horse and he’s one I’ve always adored riding. We’re keen on his chances and he only has five other runners to see off. He should take all the beating.

Last of the day on Friday is Walbank in the Palace Of Holyrood House (6.10pm). He’ll wear blinkers for the first time here and makes his debut for Dominic Ffrench Davis. His last run at York in May was disappointing – he was being pretty coltish and didn’t do himself justice as a result. He needs to concentrate on running, not on the other horses, so the blinkers should help him here.

He’s a gorgeous, big horse who is really talented on his day. At 28/1, he should outrun his odds if the blinkers do the trick.