I have concerns with any substantial rain for Dutch Decoy at the top of the market with Havana Blue who is on a 3 timer but stepped up in trip so happy to take that pair on. One Nation was inexplicably bad at Royal Ascot like almost all of the Charlie Appelby runners, the Yard has turned a corner since but it's hard to decide how good the horse is and there are a couple I'm far more confident in, it would not surprise if it bolted up BUT you have to analyse form and fall on your sword if its wrong. Liberty Lane is equally confusing really, stepped back to a mile on only its 5th run and this race should definitely indicate where its future lies and what sort of Rating it's at!. Hafeet Alain is upped 5lb for a Course and Distance win and is another serious contender.

 

I'm most keen and bullish about the chances of SAXON KING, a very scopey and progressive 3 year old who was an eye catcher in Britannia at Ascot and for whom rain would be a bonus and not a negative and I think its cracking each way value here. BOPEDRO is exposed far more than some off this mark but undoubtedly competitive off it and this is at it's best trip, rain is a definite plus if it comes and it has form on the Rowley mile Course so I see this Course as not being a negative.

 

I cannot resist some shrapnel on BEAR FORCE ONE at the early 25/1 plus price to enhance prices. It's got Course and Distance form off a decent handicap mark and if you ignore the Ascot form as it's always run poorly there , it really does look a very sensible shrapnel bet!