Royal Ascot day 3 tips: five horses to back on Thursday

Thursday's best bets at Royal Ascot by a team of our top tipsters . . .

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Handicappers' nap

Fresh (6.15 Royal Ascot)

Has an excellent record at Ascot, recording peak Racing Post Ratings when landing a course-and-distance double in similarly competitive events in 2022. No wins since, but wasn't beaten far in last year's Wokingham off a 9lb higher mark and looks primed for a big run.
Paul Curtis

Fresh18:15 Ascot

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Jky: Hayley Turner Tnr: James Fanshawe

Eyecatcher

Gallantly (3.05 Ascot)

One of four in the King George V Stakes for Aidan O'Brien, he looked the ideal type for this race when winning a Chester maiden last time.
Mark Brown

Gallantly15:05 Ascot

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Jky: Wayne Lordan Tnr: A P O'Brien

Dark horse

Dashing Darcey (5.05 Ascot)

Has been a consistent performer all season, winning with a bit to spare at Haydock last time. He's 6lb higher this time but with Silvestre de Sousa on board again, he has every chance.
George Bonds

Dashing Darcey17:05 Ascot

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Jky: Silvestre De Sousa Tnr: Roger Varian

Speed figures

Caviar Heights (5.40 Ascot)

Below his best in the Dante but is better judged on his emphatic Newmarket success, where he recorded a standout time.
Dave Edwards

Caviar Heights17:40 Ascot

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Jky: Clifford Lee Tnr: K R Burke

The Punt nap

Diamond Rain (3.45 Ascot)

The Charlie Appleby-trained filly was hugely impressive when winning a Newbury Listed contest, which also produced the Ribblesdale winner a year ago, last time. The form of it has been franked with the runner-up bolting up since.
Matt Rennie

Diamond Rain15:45 Ascot

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Jky: William Buick Tnr: Charlie Appleby

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Signposts: punting pointers for Thursday's racing 

Read these next:

Paul Kealy's Royal Ascot day 3 racing tips: Thursday's play of the day 

The Punt Acca: Matt Rennie's three horse racing tips for day three of Royal Ascot on Thursday 

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