3:40 Royal Ascot Tips

Asfoora won this race last year with Oisin Murphy on board. Today, that duo are out to retain their crown. Asfoora won her opening race of the season and then was slightly disappointing at York. They have put blinkers on her today for the first time. If that sharpens her up, then every chance of another success.

The 5yo mare was very unlucky last year. She ran in five Group 1 races and suffered five very narrow defeats. She returned from a 6-month break during April and a useful £696K Meydan Group 1. Every chance she is still getting stronger. Suited by the fast ground top and jockey Ryan Moore is in the saddle. She comes here fresh after a 10-week break. She’s drawn in stall 1 in this 23-runner contest, and if there is a bias on the track, she could gain a big advantage.

Regional is joint oldest in the field as a seven-year-old but lost out in a battle throughout with Asfoora last year in this race, with both hanging right in the latter stages away from the stands side. He also finished just behind Believing in Meydan over 6f in April. He has not won since 2023 but should go close again from another high draw like last year, with a lot of his main rivals drawn middle to low.

20/1 was available for this post-race at York when beaten by 4L by Inisherin over 6f. Looked the winner at one stage before seemingly not staying, so the drop back should suit. Newcastle win by 3.75L from Annaf was also impressive. The form of that race is solid. Wathnan has bought privately since, which is a pretty good sign. Interesting that Believing is in foal to Frankel, which apparently can bring about improvement.

Starlust could be the answer to this very competitive Group 1. He was a bit in and out last year but his performance at the Breeders Cup sticks in the memory, when he produced a blistering turn of foot to get up close home. He had a nice prep run at Haydock where he had to give a penalty away to the whole field and should come on for that.

I think Adrian Murray has a very real chance with BUCANERO FUERTE, who won a Group 1 over 6f last year. The selection has a very smooth traveling style, which makes me wonder whether 5f could be optimum. Murray wouldn't send one over if he wasn't pretty sure of a big run. At the price, it has to be worth a small each way.