Royal Ascot: Friday tips from Dave Nevison

Royal Ascot is now a major part of the calendar and there isn’t much difference between his yard’s potency on the Flat than over obstacles. 

I cannot get away from Ethical Diamond here as, in addition to the Mullins aura even more powerful with booked to ride, this four-year-old has very likely the best form in the race. 

Ethical Diamond has only won a Limerick maiden on the Flat but was only beaten five lengths in a Grade One juvenile hurdle and looks set to carry on that improvement judged by his latest run on the level. He was just touched off by a nose in a very competitive handicap at over 10 furlongs and the well-beaten third has already won since, so the form looks very strong. 

A 4lb rise does not look anything harsh and, given this very-lightly raced gelding can still be improving anyway, Ethical Diamond could be seriously well in here.

I make no apologies for sticking with and the similarities here are plain to see. 

is a lightly-raced, extremely well-bred filly being the daughter of the top-grade Classic winner Midday who is trained by Ralph Beckett. Hector Crouch, who excelled on Doha, is booked to ride and has clearly got his eye in for this meeting.

Indelible’s win last time at came in what could be regarded as a key race, with several lightly-raced promising types in the field, and she got up to win close home in the style of a horse that will really appreciate a fast-run mile over a stiff track such as this before moving on to longer distances in time. 

She starts her handicap career off a mark of 91 - a seriously low rating in view of her pedigree - and the upside potential she has is enticing.

disappointed on his seasonal reappearance on the all-weather but I feel that run can be overlooked as he was once again backed into favourite and won in really good style at Doncaster last time. 

The Blue Point colt has gone up 8lbs for that victory by 1¾ lengths but, with sprinters, I am not concerned as much about significant rises and trainer looks to have a good one on his hands. 

Both wins for Mukaafah have come over six furlongs and by blitzing his rivals from the front and being well in command at the finish. I am happy with him dropping back to five furlongs at a track like Ascot and he looks to have a solid chance here for a trainer who places his horses well.