Through the Card: Royal Ascot, Friday 21 June

14:30 - There was plenty to like about DAAHYEH (6)'s winning debut at Newmarket last month, considering that she represents a yard who tend to be patient with their juveniles, and that she had to overcome some inexperience to get her head infront, but doing so readily. Daahyeh recorded a strong timefigure when winning that novice contest, and considering that the filly who was second that day, Raffle Prize, has boosted the form substantially by winning twice since, she looks a good bet to strike here for the in-form Roger Varian team. Nayibeth's dirt success at Keeneland is just about the best form on offer, but this is a different examination, so Silent Wave is feared most.

15:05 - Japan is a worthy favourite for this after a fine effort to finish third in the Epsom Derby, but his price is a restrictive one, and there may be value in taking him on with PRIVATE SECRETARY (8). He arrives as a colt who's firmly on the up, having won each of his three starts so far this season. The most recent of those wins came in a listed contest at Goodwood last month, in which he gave the firm impression that he would be capable of making his mark in Group company when given the opportunity to do so. Strictly on Timeform ratings, he has a considerable amount to find with the favourite Japan, but he's open to plenty of improvement, and at the prices offers some value up against Japan - particularly when you consider John Gosden's excellent record with runners at this trip. Pondus who is of a similar ilk and is another to consider in an intriguing contest.

15:40 - It's difficult to look past TEN SOVEREIGNS (7), who failed to get the trip when tried in the 2000 Guineas last month, but he proved with his two-year-old form that he is a high-class sprinter in the making, and he is expected to prove too strong for this field - with Calyx a significant absentee. Calyx's conqueror at Haydock, Hello Youmzain is a significant threat, as is the improving Khaadem, but Ten Soveriegns is a confident selection to come out on top.

16:20 - HERMOSA (3) has carried all before her in her division so far this season, and completed a Guineas double in fine style at the Curragh last month. The form she's shown this term is by far and away the strongest on offer, and she can record a third straight Group 1 success, with the stiff finish at Ascot likely to suit her down to the ground. Jubiloso is somewhat thrown in here after two impressive wins in minor company this term and is respected considering she falls into the 'could be anything' category, while the French Guineas winner Castle Lady is another to consider.

17:00 - A wide open renewal of the Sandringham, though it looks worth siding with CORAL BEACH (2). She has struggled in her two starts so far this season, but both of those outings came in classics, most recently finishing eighth behind Hermosa in last month's Irish 1000 Guineas, and she is a useful performer when everything comes together. Indeed, she was a Group 3 winner as a two-year-old last term, and switches back into handicap company off a mark which doesn't look insurmountable. Aidan O'Brien is enjoying a productive week, and Coral Beach is chanced to take this. It also looks worth adding the improving HOTSY TOTSY (15) to your permutation. She didn't have to improve to complete a double at Kempton last time out, but she gave the firm impression that there was plenty more in the tank when required that day, and she has excellent claims under Jamie Spencer - who is one of the best around in handicaps on Ascot's straight mile.

17:35 - BAGHDAD (3) won the King George V Stakes at this meeting last year, and he arrives here in good form, having returned to winning ways at Newmarket last month, when requiring a superb ride from Silvestre De Sousa to see off a rival who was ridden to maximum effect. A straightforward type who responds generously to pressure, there ought to be more to come from him yet, and he gets the vote to take this. Corgi was just touched off by Baghdad at this meeting last year, but is respected here on 3 lb better terms than the selection, while Secret Advisor is another to consider.

Check out the Betfair Royal Ascot podcast, where Kieran O'Connor was joined by Joseph O'Brien, Gary O'Brien and Barry Orr to preview the finest five days in the flat racing calendar