Royal Ascot will host races for numerous equine stars over the next week, one of the biggest being dual Guineas winner - Henrythenavigator, who runs on the opening day (the Tuesday) in the St James's Palace Stakes.
Ballydoyle's Champion is likely to have a couple of pacemakers to ensure that this is a truly run mile which is what he needs judging on his successes at Newmarket and The Curragh.
In each Guineas he defeated New Approach who has since won the Derby so the form could not be stronger.
Also in the line up possibly will be Twice Over, who had the Derby as his main target after failing to turn up for Newmarket's early season classic. However a disappointing run at York scuppered any sort of chance of going to Epsom, and now H R A Cecil's star will drop back to a mile which may prove to be his optmum distance. The horse who beat him comprehensively at York Tartan Bearer has already franked the form by finishing an honourable runner up in the Derby, although a shd victory over Ravens Pass in the Craven Stakes earlier on in the season still proves that Twice Over will have to improve to mix it with Henrythenavigator.
Ravens Pass and Stubbs Art who were both beaten by Henrythenavigator before, are likely to re-oppose, and although themselves are improving, I cannot see them beating him this time around either.
Representing France will be their 2000 Guineas winner Falco, who put up a very likeable performance that day in shrugging off a useful field by 3l. Runner up that day was Rio De La Plata who represents Godolphin here again, and it'll be interesting to see which one of that pair come out on top over here.
However, despite being a very short price, I cannot see Henrythenavigator being beaten. He hasn't put a foot wrong so far this season and is still on the upgrade. He could easily become the next Giants Causeway and for me is a serious win bet.
horse racing betting.
SELECTION - Henrythenavigator, 3.45 Ascot (17/06/08).