Timeform Shortlist: Royal Ascot, Saturday June 18

2.30 Chesham Stakes (Listed) (1) 7f

Timeform Top Rated:
108p 2. CHURCHILL Aidan O'Brien Ryan Moore
106p 14. AIMING FOR RIO M. Palussiere Mickael Barzalona
103p 3. CUNCO John Gosden Robert Havlin

Analyst's Verdict:
There's a strong feeling that Churchill will improve markedly for this longer trip being by Galileo, so he's narrowly preferred to Cunco, another who was learning on the job first time and will relish the extra emphasis on stamina. Frankuus completes a strong hand for his sire in what looks a mouth-watering Chesham Stakes on paper.


3.05 Wolferton Handicap (Listed) (1) 1¼m

Timeform Top Rated:
130 12. OCEANOGRAPHER Charlie Appleby William Buick
129 15. ARTHENUS James Fanshawe Frederik Tylicki
127 13. PACIFY Ralph Beckett F. M. Berry

Analyst's Verdict:
Best of Times boasts some good form and caught the eye on his return from a year off at Chester. He could be on a lenient mark and gets the vote in a typically-competitive renewal of this handicap. Oceanographer is another big player for Godolphin, while Maleficent Queen and Revolutionist are thriving winners who can't be discounted.


3.40 Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) (1) 1½m

Timeform Top Rated:
139 5. EXOSPHERE Sir Michael Stoute Ryan Moore
136 10. SIMPLE VERSE Ralph Beckett Oisin Murphy
136? 4. EAGLE TOP John Gosden Frankie Dettori

Analyst's Verdict:
Exosphere was stepped up to this trip on his return in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket and looked a totally different proposition, powering home in the final furlong to score. He escapes a penalty for that and is fancied to continue his improvement here with another success. The globe-trotting Highland Reel, the progressive Dartmouth and the fast-improving Almodovar head the list of dangers.


4.20 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (1) 6f

Timeform Top Rated:
137 8. THE TIN MAN James Fanshawe Tom Queally
136 9. TWILIGHT SON Henry Candy Ryan Moore
135 10. UNDRAFTED Wesley A. Ward John R. Velazquez

Analyst's Verdict:
The 4-y-os look strong and it is The Tin Man who has created the most striking impression with his commanding reappearance win at Windsor last month. He could be the answer. Magical Memory has also improved further this year, and isn't passed over lightly, while Twilight Son is likely to be much more competitive than he was on his return at York last month.


5.00 Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (2) 6f

Timeform Top Rated:
128 11. TOOFI Robert Cowell Andrea Atzeni
127 21. OUTBACK TRAVELLER Robert Cowell Martin Harley
126? 17. JACK DEXTER Jim Goldie F. M. Berry

Analyst's Verdict:
The Robert Cowell-trained pair Outback Traveller and Toofi make most appeal in what is always one of the most competitive races of the season, with preference just going to the former. Lightly-raced 4-y-o Brando will be suited by the return to 6f and is another to consider, along with Spring Loaded, Ninjago and Buckstay.


5.35 Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions) (2) 2m5f159y

Timeform Top Rated:
126 5. CLONDAW WARRIOR W. P. Mullins Ryan Moore
123 1. ORIENTAL FOX Mark Johnston Joe Fanning
122p 6. COMMISSIONED Gordon Elliott Adam Kirby

Analyst's Verdict:
Oriental Fox was an impressive winner of this last year and holds sound claims of a repeat on the back of a good reappearance over shorter here last month, particularly as soft ground won't faze him. The Willie Mullins pair Clondaw Warrior and 2012 winner Simenon are a couple of obvious threats. Amour de Nuit and Commissioned, who has his first run for Gordon Elliott here, complete the shortlist.