Four horses to follow at Royal Ascot on Tuesday and Wednesday

*This column was first published on Friday, June 14.*

Race:

AK Bets odds: 6-1.

It's probably fair to say Zanndabad hasn't quite scaled the heights connections thought he would given he was purchased for €240,000 at the end of 2022 (he was previously owned by the Aga Khan), and has not won a race since moving to Ireland. 

However, it appears as though connections have now found the key to him based upon his past three outings across both codes, and he looked an unlucky loser when a fast-finishing third in the Chester Cup last time out.

A slow gallop didn't help his cause there, especially as he was held up, and he was forced to wait for a gap turning for home before encountering further traffic problems in the straight. He flew home once in the clear, and it was no surprise to see he recorded the highest finishing speed percentage. That effort also suggests an extra extended furlong should suit at Ascot, and he also stayed on powerfully when second in the Scottish County Hurdle this year.

William Buick, who has won two of the past three renewals of the Ascot Stakes, has been booked to ride and the handicapper has only nudged Zanndabad up a couple of pounds for his Chester exertions, so it's wise to think he's nicely treated off a rating of 94.

There is some rain forecast ahead of Tuesday, which could see some give underfoot, but anything better than good to soft will be ideal (his action, and recent efforts, suggests he wants better ground), although he did win on soft and heavy in France.

With Tony Martin serving a three-month suspension, Zanndabad is now trained by Martin's sister, Cathy O'Leary, but that is unlikely to have hindered his preparation for this contest, and he looks to hold strong claims. 

Race:

AK Bets odds: 4-1.

I'm a firm believer that is a Group horse in the making, even more so after his cosy victory in a valuable handicap at York last time out, and he should be capable of taking this step up in grade in his stride. 

Roger Varian's charge shaped with bundles of promise in novice races last year (the form of those have worked out well) before finding fast ground against him on his handicap debut, but he quickly bounced back with a dominant display when defeating Mr Professor, winner of this year's Lincoln, on his next start. Varian also advised Botanical was still a work in progress last year, and he was always going to make a better four-year-old.

The selection returned on a 10lb higher mark this season, and although Varian said beforehand the outing is likely to be needed, it didn't stop the Lope De Vega gelding from bolting up in what looked a decent handicap on the Knavesmire. 

With that run under his belt, and natural progression, it should mean he's capable of going close at this level, and while he won't be the highest rated contender in the field, he's improving at a rate of knots.

His handler has also been operating at a 25 per cent strike-rate in the past fortnight (at the time of writing) and has been booked to ride. With some rain forecast, the ground should be ideal, too.

Israr looks set to be in opposition (based upon Jim Crowley being jocked up on him instead of Alflaila), and he'd be the one who is feared most following his close second in the Huxley Stakes when last seen.

Race:

AK Bets odds: 7-2.

This mare enjoyed a hugely productive campaign last season, with victory in this contest, and her second behind Tahiyra in the Matron Stakes, being her two standout performances.

It was therefore no surprise her new connections paid £1.65m for Rogue Millennium at the end of last year, with the chance of Group One glory a high possibility this season based upon her efforts in 2023. 

Things didn't go to plan for the five-year-old on her return to action, and first start for Joseph O'Brien, at the Curragh in May where she was boxed in at a crucial stage, and any chance she had was gone once in the clear. That outing was always going to be used as a stepping stone, so she'll certainly strip fitter for it, and it will be disappointing if she isn't capable of reversing form with Ocean Jewel and Goldana who finished ahead of her in the Lanwades Stud Stakes, and are both among the confirmations.

The Duke Of Cambridge has been switched to the round track this year, which won't be a negative for Rogue Millennium who has the strongest pieces of form next to her name.

One concern would be if the ground deteriorated as she disappointed with soft in the going description on her final two outings last year. However, providing there isn't too much give underfoot, I expect her to be too good for her rivals here en route to another tilt at Group One company.

Race:

AK Bets odds: 12-1 (each-way).

He may be an eight-year-old now, but Coeur D'Or found chunks of improvement last season and Dermot Weld's decision to take a patient approach with his Dubawi gelding certainly paid dividends. 

Success in the Colm Quinn BMW Mile at was followed by a win in the Irish Cambridgeshire at the Curragh off a rating of 97, and he failed to stay ten furlongs on his next start before finding the ground too testing on QIPCO British Champions Day.

His style of racing (strong traveller who comes from off the pace) certainly suggests Ascot's straight course is going to suit, and a rating of 100 should not stop him from being competitive. 

The Irish raider shaped with plenty of promise on his return to action over an inadequate six furlongs at the Curragh where he stayed on nicely under pressure without being given the hardest time, and that was almost certainly a prep run for the Royal Hunt Cup.

With strong handicap form next to his name, and his trainer in red-hot form (Weld is operating at a 31 per cent strike-rate at the time of writing), a big run should be expected from Coeur D'Or who is proven on good and good to soft ground.

I also backed Beshtani ante-post , and a saver on Wathnan Racing's charge may be a good move.