'He shouldn't be overlooked at 16-1' - five dark horses to note at Royal Ascot

Sir Busker
33-1, Queen Anne Stakes (2.30), Tuesday, June 15

Aside from Palace Pier, the Queen Anne is wide open and I could see Sir Busker running a lovely race at a big price.

This five-year-old was a highly progressive handicapper last season and performs well at Ascot, notably when finishing half a length behind Palace Pier when fourth in the QEII on his first crack at a Group 1 in October.

Sir Busker: a winner at last year's royal meetingCredit: Edward Whitaker

He was value to beat Palace Pier that day as he hung badly left in the closing stages and finished away from the field on the stands' side.

Sir Busker struck over this course and distance at this meeting in the Silver Hunt Cup last year and the form of his comeback third to Oh This Is Us is useful.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

Battleground
7-1, St James's Palace Stakes (4.20), Tuesday, June 15

Giant's Causeway (2000), Rock Of Gibraltar (2002) and Gleneagles (2015) are among eight Aidan O'Brien-trained winners of the St James's Palace Stakes since the turn of the century.

This year's edition looks to have some strength in depth but lacks a standout star, and that could enable Battleground to bounce back after a disappointing effort in the 2,000 Guineas.

The imposing three-year-old lost his action and became unbalanced on the undulating Rowley Mile, so is readily excused defeat. He won the Chesham at this meeting last year and is best suited by fast ground.
Tom Collins, tipster

14-1, Ascot Stakes (5.00), Tuesday, June 15

This versatile seven-year-old, trained by John Queally, could just be suited by the unique test of the Ascot Stakes.

He was an eyecatcher on his return when sixth at the Punchestown festival and won easily back at the same track last month.

Arcadian Sunrise: a handicap hurdle winner at Punchestown last timeCredit: Patrick McCann

Arcadian Sunrise has run three solid races on the Flat, most recently winning a Thurles maiden in October, and better ground will aid his chances of staying the 2m4f trip.
Jack Haynes, reporter

Njord
16-1, Royal Hunt Cup (5.00), Wednesday, June 16

Fresh from a highly promising second in the Group 3 John of Gaunt Stakes last month, Jessica Harrington's versatile and progressive miler shouldn't be overlooked at odds of 16-1 as he returns to the scene of his impressive Balmoral Handicap success last season.
Mark Boylan, reporter

Potapova
10-1, Coronation Stakes (4.20), Friday, June 18

Sir Michael Stoute and Cheveley Park Stud's association with the Coronation Stakes goes back a long way, as the trainer has won the race four times, twice with horses running in the famous red, white and blue silks.

He doesn't tend to overface his three-year-olds, so the fact he has entered Potapova – whose granddam Russian Rhythm won the race for the combination in 2003 – suggests she has a lot of ability.

She will need to step up on her two novice wins, but both were bloodless successes and her most recent win at Redcar earned her a Racing Post Rating of 102 – only 3lb below the figure Mother Earth achieved in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.
Maddy Playle, RPTV

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