A sensational Royal Ascot opener? Assessing the top Queen Anne contenders

The Queen Anne Stakes will kick off Royal Ascot on Tuesday June 14, with the unbeaten Baaeed a hot favourite to gain a fourth straight Group 1 win. Here we assess the top five contenders for the big meeting's opener . . .

Queen Anne Stakes entries and betting

Baaeed

Form 111111-1

Strengths Racing's star miler, unbeaten in seven starts, returned with a career-best Racing Post Rating when landing the Lockinge at Newbury last month.

He recorded a figure of 129 at Newbury and that would have been good enough to win the last nine runnings of this race. Frankel registered an RPR of 143 when routing the field by 11 lengths in 2012.

Weaknesses Are there any? He is yet to race on ground any easier than good to soft, so soft ground would be at the very least an unknown. Clutching at straws though.

Odds 1-3

What they say William Haggas, trainer (after the Lockinge win)

"I was impressed and I think he's a good horse. He's got a great temperament and it would be a shame not to try a mile and a quarter, but it's the Queen Anne next."

Aldaary

Form 355711-1

Strengths This stablemate of Baaeed is on a roll and relishes soft ground. He was an impressive winner when stepping out of handicap company in a Listed race at Haydock last time, recording an RPR of 119.

He clearly has more to offer but this would be a big step up in class to the top level.

Weaknesses Is he going to run? Baaeed's likely presence would surely suggest Aldaary will be heading elsewhere – the Shadwell star even scares off his stablemates!

Quick ground would also be a concern as three of his four defeats have come on good to firm.

Odds 10-1

What they say Jim Crowley, jockey (after the Haydock win)

"The key to this horse is he has to have cut in the ground and when he gets it, he's a fair horse. The only time he's really disappointed was on good to firm. He won two big handicaps last year and hopefully he can progress into Group company."

Master Of The Seas

Form /21237-1

Strengths Last year's 2,000 Guineas second is top notch on his day and there was lots to like about his easy return win in the bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes in April.

At Newmarket, Master Of The Seas beat Megallan, who boosted the form at Epsom last weekend. He could well be the main danger to Baaeed.

Master Of The Seas: won well on his return at NewmarketCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Weaknesses He has six and a quarter lengths to find with Baaeed on last year's QEII form, although he wrecked his chance by pulling way too hard that day. He is more exposed than Baaeed but there is a big one in him.

Odds 10-1

What they say Charlie Appleby, trainer (after the Newmarket win)

"If you asked me what race I'd like to work back from it would be the Queen Anne, as he stays nine furlongs and that is a stiff mile there. We all know Ascot is an important part of our calendar and in our team he is a big player."

Real World

Form 11-1092

Strengths His best RPR of 122 would make him very competitive in most recent Queen Anne renewals and he recorded a figure just 2lb lower when second to Baaeed in the Lockinge last time.

Real World won at last year's royal meeting, proving a handicap blot when landing the Royal Hunt Cup by almost five lengths.

Weaknesses It is hard to see his reversing the Lockinge form with Baaeed, particularly as he had a race-fitness edge at Newbury having run three times at Meydan during the winter. He will probably be fighting it out for the places.

Odds 12-1

Chindit

Form 5543-13

Strengths Has been competitive at this level over a mile without threatening to win, but if on his A game, he could have place credentials.

He is a course winner and was unlucky in running when fifth in the St James's Palace last year.

Chindit: a regular in Group 1 races over a mileCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Weaknesses On all known form, he can't beat Baaeed. He was a five-length third to that rival in the Lockinge last time and had the benefit of a prior run. He might be another to consider in the place market.

Odds 16-1

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