Nick Luck blog: Royal Ascot day two – Tactical to spark Queen’s Windsor Castle celebrations

Another seven races to look forward to on day two of Royal Ascot, with the feature being the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes.

Our man, Nick Luck, has previewed every one, including a strong fancy in the Windsor Castle…

Knight’s runner can get day two off to a flyer

I’m not sure that I want the Silver Hunt Cup (1:15pm) to be around for too long, but I’ll be happy enough to back the winner, and I’m hoping that top-weight SIR BUSKER can show just how progressive he is.

I loved the way he travelled at Newcastle on his comeback run, strongly suggesting a big leap forward this year. This has coincided with his trainer’s recent move to Newmarket, which apparently had a positive effect on a number of his horses. Sir Busker has always been held in very high regard and I am convinced there is a fair bit more to come at 11/1.

O’Brien’s Emperor to conquer all in Hampton Court

Aidan O’Brien’s RUSSIAN EMPEROR might be the answer to the Hampton Court Stakes (1:50pm) at 7/2. It’s entirely possible he’ll come on for his run behind Cormorant the other day but might not need to. Juan Elcano is wheeling back plenty quick enough after a hard race in the 2000 Guineas, while First Receiver was undoubtedly impressive at Kempton, but probably didn’t beat a very deep group. Berlin Tango may have been underestimated on the strength of his Kempton win and shouldn’t be ruled out.

Convict can blow away King George V rivals

I’ll be having two bets in the King George V (2:25pm). The first is CONVICT at 9/1, who probably wants a bit of rain, though I wouldn’t be certain. He thrashed some handy horses in a valuable nursery at Newmarket last autumn, is related to horses who have progressed leaps and bounds at three and will love the extra distance.

The less obvious one is TRUMPET MAN at 18/1, who showed distinct signs of ability behind Trefoil on his last start before getting quite unbalanced on the Rowley Mile. This track will suit better, he’s got no weight to carry and his trainer has won this many times before.

Japan should be too good in Prince Of Wales’s

It will be disappointing if JAPAN can’t dispose of his rivals quite tidily in the Prince of Wales’s (3:00pm). He looks to have his ideal conditions to begin a really productive season as the flagship Ballydoyle older horse and could prove very hard to beat at 10/11.

Medaayih – who moved very smoothly through much of the Champion Stakes last season and should have beaten Deirdre in the Nassau – might be a sporting bet at 10/1 under Frankie Dettori if you would rather something more adventurous.

Boxer the play in open Royal Hunt Cup

I have no clear idea of the winner of the Royal Hunt Cup (3:35pm), but I keep being drawn to BEATBOXER (18/1) who is the apparent John Gosden third string. The combination of hood, tongue tie and wind op has now been augmented by a gelding operation, which may just do the trick.

Either way, he is well handicapped on his best form, is lightly raced and is by Scat Daddy, whose progeny have an outstanding record on the straight track at Ascot.

Tactical to go well for Doyle and Balding

Beatboxer’s rider James Doyle carries the burden of my selection again in the Windsor Castle (4:10pm), courtesy of TACTICAL. Andrew Balding has found the perfect spot for this horse, who finished a rather unlucky but promising third to a leading Norfolk fancy on his debut. This track will suit him better and if the likely hot pace melts down, I can see him taking advantage. He would be one of my stronger plays of the afternoon at 15/2.

Sunshine can end day on a bright note

I quite like the idea of ALRIGHT SUNSHINE to take the final race for last year’s Royal Ascot breakthrough rider Danny Tudhope at 10/1. His recent run in the Sagaro behind Nayef Road was most eye-catching and he’s in calmer waters here while remaining pretty unexposed. He’s fit, he’ll stay and is in very good hands.

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