Royal Ascot Racing Tips: A Magical bet on Thursday

NAP: Magical Lagoon can take a big step forward

Magical Lagoon - 15:40 Royal Ascot

Magical Lagoon won a Group 3 on her second start last season before running creditably in the Fillies' Mile at Newmarket. There was plenty to like about her reappearance in a listed event that has worked out very well, too, with the winner running an eye catching race in the Irish 1000 Guineas next time, and the third and fourth both winning next time.

She was only beaten a short head on that occasion, appreciating the step up to a mile and a quarter and battling on well in the closing stages. Magical Lagoon promises to progress further now up another two furlongs in trip and she sets a good standard for her rivals to aim at. Big chance.

NEXT BEST: Post can make a big impression

Post Impressionist - 15:05 Royal Ascot

Post Impressionist bumped into a subsequent winner on debut at Nottingham and built on that promise when powering away from his rivals in good style over a mile at Ayr on his next start.

He was well backed upped to a mile and a quarter when attempting to defy a penalty in a warm novice event at Newcastle last time and lost little in defeat, taking a keen hold early but taking time to hit full stride, doing all of his best work at the finish. That form took a big boost on Wednesday when the winner won the Queen's Vase and an opening mark of 89 looks very attractive now moving up further in trip.

EACH-WAY: Saga worth one more chance

Saga - 17:00 Royal Ascot

Saga was disappointing on his latest run over seven furlongs at this course last time, but he came in for plenty of support that day and is surely capable of better.

His form from last year where he finished runner-up to Modern Games and Coroebus on his first two starts could hardly have worked out any better, and he also bumped into Maljoom on his return this year at Kempton, who was a most unlucky loser in the St James's Palace Stakes on Tuesday. Those pieces of form make him look attractively handicapped and first-time blinkers may turn out to be the key to him.