Royal Ascot: Five horses to follow on Day Two

Tipster: Harry Allwood.

Best odds: 5-2.

It was easy to see why Galiyan was unraced at two when watching his debut at Newmarket in April where he was scrubbed along throughout before making eye-catching late headway.

He clearly benefitted enormously from that experience when scoring over an extended 1m4f at Chester on his next outing where he defeated Joulany, a full-brother to Al Aasy who finished a close third behind Betfred Derby runner-up Maltese Cross on his previous outing, and the third bolted up on his next start (albeit in a weak contest).

Galiyan still displayed signs of greenness there, but shaped like a thorough stayer, and therefore should relish the Queen’s Vase trip. 

A more galloping track should suit, too, and to achieve that level of form on just his second outing, while still in need of experience, suggests he’s a smart colt in the making.I expect him to take another big step forward now, and he could also be a potential St Leger contender this year (I’ve had a small bet on him at the 25-1 available). 

Tipster: Dave Nevison.

Best odds: 3-1.

Blue Bolt is a lightly-raced, four-year-old filly who progressed through the ranks, and has already proved she is up to Group One standard when runner-up in last year’s BetMGM Sun Chariot Stakes, plus has a great chance to land her first Group prize here. 

Andrew Balding reintroduced her in a decent Listed event at Goodwood in May, and she demonstrated that she was still progressing by winning comfortably at short odds. She will now be spot on for what has presumably been her main stepping stone to a Group One win later this term. 

She should outclass these rivals, even though she would ideally have been drawn a little lower.

Tipster: Alex Scott.

Best odds: 2-1.

A brilliant renewal of the £1-million day two showpiece and one that can go to France courtesy of DARYZ. Francis Graffard's colt was an impressive Arc winner, but has looked just as exceptional, if not better, over shorter distances this spring and should be suited by a strongly run race over this trip on fast ground. He can get the better of last year's winner Ombudsman, who rates his main danger, ahead of Almaqam, who arrives here having posted a career best effort over Bay City Roller.

Tipster: RaceiQ nap of the day (Andy Stephens).

Best odds: 14-1.

Jagged Edge is unexposed and makes each-way appeal in the Royal Hunt Cup after his emphatic win at Naas last month when having his first run for Stephen Thorne.

He swept from ninth to first with two fast final furlongs of 11.85 and 13.04 seconds, and there could be more to come. Colin Keane rides him for the first time.

Classic and Erzindjan are others for the shortlist. The data points to those drawn low being at a disadvantage.

Tipster: Ross Millar.

Best odds: 20-1.

A change to qualifying criteria and trip - it's now six furlongs not five - means this is not necessarily the precocious test of previous years.

Boleto won on debut at Pontefract despite getting much of it wrong; he broke moderately and then took a while to find his rhythm before getting disorganised on the bend. He showed a good gear change once straightening up, but again looked immature when hanging under pressure.  

He's sure to have improved from that experience and this straight, stiff track will suit him well. Trainer Clive Cox is no stranger to winners in this sphere.