Steve Jones has another four recommendations as the royal meeting moves into its third day, Ladies Day, featuring the Gold Cup.
Outback Heat in the Britannia Stakes
Turn up the Heat in the Britannia Stakes. OUTBACK HEAT (4.50) promises to be suited by the demands of this charge down Ascot's straight mile. He looked a really smart prospect when landing a good-quality handicap over today's course and distance last month. That was the same race trainer Harry Eustace won with Docklands before going on to win this prize three years ago. It's no surprise he is following the same path with this lightly-raced three-year-old from the family of top-class Arabian Queen. He only made his debut in February when successful on Newcastle's all-weather track and he appears to be improving rapidly. The smart turn of pace he showed when winning at this track last time out will be a potent weapon in this contest. Have 1pt each-way at 11-1. Sky Bet is paying out on seven places.
Cannes in the King George V Stakes
Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien is having a tremendous season and his CANNES (3.05) looks to have an excellent chance in the King George V Stakes. He chased home stablemate James J Braddock – third in the Derby – on his debut at the Curragh last November. After a promising return to action when runner-up in a 1m2f Leopardstown maiden, he loved the step up to today's 1m4f trip when getting off the mark, again, at the Dublin track. There's every chance he could develop into a Group-class performer. Have 1pt each-way at 12-1. A couple of firms are offering six places.
My Love Is King in the Hampton Court Stakes
The Gosden's MY LOVE IS KING (5.35) is another horse we haven't seen the best of yet. He won his only start last season and he kicked off this year by running Derby second Maltese Cross to a neck in a Newbury novice contest. His second to useful Ancient Egypt in a Listed race early last month was a solid effort and he didn't look in love with Newmarket's undulations. He seems to have been ignored in the Hampton Court Stakes betting on the strength of Oisin Murphy riding stablemate Oxagon but jockey Rab Havlin is usually the owner's preferred choice. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1. Sky Bet go four places.
Defence Minister in the Buckingham Palace Stakes
DEFENCE MINISTER (6.10) hasn't had much luck with the draw on his two previous visits to Ascot. He's copped stall eight in the Buckingham Palace Stakes and there's plenty of pace around him to help set it up for his hold-up style. Have 1pt each-way at 25-1. Plenty of firms are paying six places.
