UNDERDOG is worthy of a small each-way wager, in what promises to be a cavalry charge, for this Group Two juvenile prize. The stands’ side have dominated on the straight track this week, which would point to those drawn high here, but it may be wise to not get too carried away, just in case the clerk waters this side more to even it up.

The Richard Spencer stable arrives in scintillating form, with eight winners from his previous 20 runners. He saddles the selection, who won a recent Sandown maiden. Coincidentally, his sire landed this race in 2021, which adds a fascinating layer to the chances of the once-raced youngster. Where Love Lives and Social Symbol were a pair who also caught the eye at big prices.

This year’s G1 Hardwicke Stakes looks like a stellar renewal, featuring six Group/Grade One winners. Kalpana has been a firm friend of this column in recent times, but I’m loathed to look elsewhere, purely driven by the prices. BEST SECRET certainly appeals - currently at a double-figure price - as an unexposed horse over 1m4f.

In fact, the French-trained runner is 2-2 over this distance, and he arrives after a three-length win over West Wind Blows in a Group Three. Kalpana struggled to beat the same horse last time, which suggests my selection is overpriced. Goliath won over track and trip in the 2024 G1 King George Stakes, so it is a worthy contender. Do not dismiss his claims.

I’m interested in FLORA OF BERMUDA, from an each-way perspective. I’m hopeful that she can repeat last season’s placing in this contest - having tipped her in this very race last term. The Dark Angel mare arrives in rude health, after a cosy Listed win at Newmarket.

The 2nd has subsequently ran a cracker, when 4th in Group One company here on Tuesday. A strong pace, which is almost guaranteed, ought to play to her strengths. Likely favourite, Joliestar, is being hailed as the next Australian superstar to grace the Berkshire turf. She is worth a saver, to confirm her immense promise. 

INTO THE SKY is a fascinating runner in this season’s G3 Jersey Stakes over 7f. The Starman colt has shown plenty of star quality in a trio of starts - including a superb 4th in the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

He showed plenty of pace that day, which indicates that the drop in journey may suit him perfectly. The form of the race could hardly have worked out any better, too, with the 2nd, Gstaad, winning the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas - prior to just failing to catch Bow Echo in the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes this week.

COMPLETELY RANDOM is given a place chance, in what promises to be an uber-competitive Wokingham Handicap. The Roger Charlton-trained Listed winner arrives in modest form, but on closer inspection is not to be underestimated at double-figure odds.

He is 2-2 with Ryan Moore in the saddle and finished an excellent 5th, from a hold-up position, in this contest last campaign. With a similar pace setup likely, Completely Random could be set for improvement, with first-time cheekpieces a possible catalyst for progression here.

As you would expect, another fiendishly-difficult handicap - this time on the round course. With numerous runners in a first handicap, there is the potential for many of these to be Group performers, but I’m chancing PERISHER, for trainer Joseph O’Brien.

The Australia gelding chases a hat-trick, after a maiden win, followed by an easy Naas success. The maiden victory has proven to be excellent form, with plenty of subsequent winners coming out of that event. It wouldn’t surprise me if there was more improvement to come, and he looks dangerous to ignore - especially if able to sit handily. Princling is another who can progress at this middle-distance, for a notable trainer.

The UK’s longest flat fast is the traditional finale to Royal Ascot. With the extended 2m5f distance certainly not guaranteed to play to the strengths of all the runners, I’m opting for the apparent Willie Mullins-trained COLUMBUS.

The five-year-old has some classy form to his name - including a close-up third in a German Group One. He also interestingly made his debut for this trainer in the same race that saw Sober won, prior to landing this event last season. Let’s hope lightning strikes twice!