I mentioned at the start of the week that I have backed Binhareer ante-post for the Wokingham, but that I was praying for rain. That now looks very unlikely to arrive.
I'm on at much bigger odds than available as I write on Friday morning, but I would imagine he will drift as the trainer is on record saying soft ground is what he wants.
My hope now is that the course will be watered to stop it getting lightening quick and I am still going to be cheering him on, but I am not going to get further involved in Binhareer, or with something against him, until I have seen how the big sprint earlier on the card unfolds.
I will be part of the Racing TV team on Saturday, so If I come up with something I fancy I will be sure to let viewers know.
Free race replays - Royal Ascot
2.53 Ayr: Letsbefrank
Letsbefrank looks an improved performer this season and the Jim Goldie-trained six-year-old has already won two quite valuable Sunday Series handicaps already this season.
He probably put up a lifetime best when failing to complete the hat-trick last time, when he was a good third in a competitive handicap at Thirsk.
He is upped in grade, but off the same mark and may well be suited by going back over a longer trip than so far this season.
The Frankel gelding gets on well with Lauren Young and I feel he is likely to be overpriced here against southern raiders from big yards.
3.05 Ascot: Kalpana
Even though this is the strongest renewal of the Hardwicke Stakes I have seen for a long while, I still believe Kalpana is a solid favourite.
She performed consistently well last season and retained her Fillies and Mares crown, beating the top class Estrange impressively by 2 ½ lengths.
Kalpana reappeared in the Aston Park Stakes at Newbury and put up at least as good a performance, even though it was officially a lower grade event.
She was in front fully two furlongs out in that event and from a low draw here I expect it to be easier for her to come late. She is back in Group Two company here and may well just be classier than the majority of her rivals.
FREE Racing TV Flat Season Gilet
3.40 Ascot: Joliestar
Overpass turns out again quickly after being beaten less than a length in the King Charles III Stakes on Tuesday. He is not really in the same league as this mare but is probably a good yardstick.
Joliestar has already won four Group One sprints, which I think is as many as the entire field against her have won between them and some of her rivals will be trying to revive past glories.
The Australians are just better than our sprinters on all evidence and she was in top form at Randwick before heading over here.
The main danger is probably the Japanese runner, Satona Reve, who was beaten half a length in what I felt was a less competitive renewal last season.
4.20 Ascot: Saber Strike
William Haggas has had a very good Ascot and Saber Strike can give him another success.
He won effortlessly on his only start at the backend of the last turf season at Redcar and then reappeared in the 7f Listed event at the Guineas meeting, showing that he had improved massively from two to three.
Even viewing him on the television screen, he has the looks of something special. The Jersey Stakes was the instant obvious next step and he has to be the selection.