TimeformBlog

14.30 - Codemaster continued his progression with a decisive win in listed company at Newmarket last month and is understandably trading as favourite for the opening Jersey Stakes. Fury, however, is similarly lightly raced and went close despite a muddling pace at Sandown last time, so, with this likely to be a more truly-run race, he's well worth siding with as the main pick. Our second selection, French-raider Havane Smoker, has proven Group form and, though not open to as much progression as some, this return to seven furlongs is sure to suit (travelled strongly last time) and he's an able back-up.

15.05 - Luca Cumani's Seta has had a rather stop-start career to date, but she's won five times from her eight starts and was most impressive when scoring at Goodwood on her reappearance. Everything looks in place for a big run this afternoon and she's a confident choice to at least place for us. Most of these can have cases made for them, though, and it's wise to take the highly-progressive I'm A Dreamer as another string to our bow.

15.45 - The Royal Hunt Cup is just around the corner so this is the perfect time for So You Think to come along and provide us with our first banker. The Aidan O'Brien-trained superstar hasn't put a foot wrong since moving from Australia and he should set Ascot alight with another dominant display this afternoon.

16.25 - The draw can often make fools of us, but the impression from yesterday was that a high draw would be an advantage, so the lightly-raced Bronze Prince and rock-solid Dance And Dance look ideally placed in stalls 28 and 30 respectively. A couple that are berthed more towards the other side and appeal of interest, however, are strong-travelling wildcard, Sooraah, and the upwardly-mobile, Barzalona-partnered Point North.

17.00 - Shumoos created a monumental impression when running away with a maiden on her debut, pulverizing yesterday's impressive winner Frederick Engels in the process, so, she's potentially top class, and definitely a banker.

17.35 - I mentioned Seta earlier in the piece, but Luca Cumani arguably has an even better chance on the day with Dubai Queen in this final leg. Her form has taken off this year, winning at Goodwood on her reappearance and losing little in defeat when runner-up last month, so she'll be hard to keep out the three. I'm not a positive person, however, and if we've made it this far I'd hate to feel the vulnerability of relying on just the one selection, so get live-outsider Secret Love (sixth behind Izzi Top, Dancing Rain and Rumh last time) in as insurance.

Selections: 32 lines
14.30 - 4, 5
15.05 - 7, 12
15.45 - 5
16.25 - 4, 20, 30, 31
17.00 - 12
17.35 - 11, 13

For more Royal Ascot betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/royal-ascot/