Angus McNae’s top tips for Thursday: Say hello to Goodnight Girl

The analysis of the QIPCO-sponsored King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday will cause many to burn the midnight oil.

I will not be staying up late, though, because I believe Poet’s Word is the fastest horse in the race, and that he likes Ascot and is improving rapidly.

Many will seek to downgrade his defeat of Cracksman at Royal Ascot on the basis that Cracksman was below his best.

That is categorically not the case. Cracksman ran as well on the clock as he has ever done on fast ground - he simply made it look harder work than in the past.

Poet’s Word was palpably too good for him on the day and the form should be taken literally. He is the real deal and the King George is his for the taking.

Four selections as ever for you today, starting with:

This filly was second in the Albany at Royal Ascot and is a stand out bet, albeit at around Evens.

She was only narrowly denied in the Albany and was virtually brought down at Newmarket last time out, a run that is best written off . Back in Listed company she can dominate her rivals and get her season back on track.

This horse is quite useful and given his five-furlong form is well treated off a mark of 80.

He has run well on his past two starts and on both occasions he has looked as if more of an emphasis on speed would suit.

Both of those runs came at Brighton where a stiff five furlongs and six furlongs proved too much of a stamina test. Here, with the speed to lead on a quick track, he will take some catching.

This is a lightly raced and well bred filly who ran encouragingly last time at Doncaster on only her second career start.

The winner, Betty F looks to be pretty useful and Right Direction pushed her strongly all the way the the line.

This looks like an easier race and this four year old looks set to lose her maiden tag as she progresses to better things.

Trainer Jonathan Portman has a good record at Newbury and he can bag another winner here.

Goodnight Girl won a Novice Stakes two starts ago and ran a blinder in defeat when second in a handicap off 73 last time out.

She gets to race off the same mark here and given her Timeform speed figure she looks pretty well treated. She likes to race prominently, which will be a bonus in this small field.