Royal Ascot 2018 tips: Five horses to follow at the Royal meeting
Get ready for Royal Ascot with five horses to make you rich
WITH Royal Ascot rapidly approaching, here are five horses to follow that could make you that little bit richer.
The five-day festival begins on Tuesday, with horses from around the globe honing in on the Berkshire track.
Lightning Spear - Queen Anne Stakes
David Simcock's star miler is in danger of becoming the ultimate bridesmaid unless he bucks his ideas up soon.
The Celebration Mile winner has been unable to cut it at the highest level on a number of occasions, but that's not for want of trying.
However, judged on last month's performance in the Lockinge Stakes, where he only narrowly lost out to Rhododendron, he is better now than he's ever been.
The Queen Anne doesn't look as competitive as it has done in recent renewals, and if ever there's a time for Lightning Spear to strike, it's this week.
Mildenburger - Queen's Vase
Mark Johnston has an exemplary record in the the Queen's Vase, and he can add another victory to the haul with the classy Mildenburger.
The three-year-colt has only been beaten by Roaring Lion and Expert Eye so far in his career, which says a lot about his ability.
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With nothing of their calibre likely to line up at Ascot, the son of Teofilo can take advantage of a drop in class.
He's long looked as though a step up in trip would really help him and he'll be there when others have cried enough.
Desert Skyline - Gold Cup
Silvestre de Sousa takes the ride on David Elsworth's stamina-laden four-year-old and this is his time to shine.
On his form so far it's fair to say he has a bit to find, but that's because he's not yet raced over the Gold Cup trip.
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The closest he's come in terms of distance was when he won well in the Doncaster Cup last year, and of all the runners in the field, he's open to the most improvement.
He's as genuine as the day is long and there's definitely a lot more to come from him over staying trips.
Equilateral - Commonwealth Cup
You won't see many easier winners all season than Equilateral last time out, and immediately afterwards trainer Charlie Hills nominated the Commonwealth Cup as his next assignment.
The son of Equiano clearly progressed enormously over the winter and his return in a Doncaster maiden was phenomenally impressive.
This is a huge step up, but his trainer wouldn't be running him if he didn't think he was up to it.
Provided he doesn't get into an early barging match, he's the one they've all got to aim for.
Billesdon Brook - Coronation Stakes
On form, Billesdon Brook should be clear favourite for the Coronation Stakes.
The three-year-old filly was mightily impressive in the 1000 Guineas on her reappearance and that effort means that she is the one to beat in the Group 1 contest.
Richard Hannon has won the race before and this filly could be anything.
She's flying under the radar once again and at around the 9-2 mark, rates the bet of the meeting.