Racing and Sports' rundown for Day 4 of the Royal Meeting.
RACE 1 - G3 Albany Stakes (1207m)
GOLD DIGGER (6) created a good impression winning on debut at Yarmouth. The Richard Spencer-trained filly quickened nicely that day and will be suited by this stiff 1200m journey. Starman filly VENETIAN SUN (17) kept on to make a winning debut over 1000m at Carlisle. Holds major claims now raised to 1200m for a stable holding an excellent record with juveniles. Aidan O'Brien trains SIGNORA (14) who caught the eye when third in the G3 Blackbeard Fillies Sprint Stakes at Naas (1200m) first time out. May take a step forward with that run under her belt. Impressive last-start Haydock winner FITZELLA (5) commands respect with further progress anticipated. TAHALEL (16) might go well at a large price.
RACE 2 - G1 Commonwealth Cup (1207m)
This race appears tailor-made for the G1 2000 Guineas third SHADOW OF LIGHT (9). The Charlie Appleby-trained colt won the G1 Middle Park Stakes and G1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last season and looked as though dropping back in trip would suit on seasonal reappearance. A main danger could come from BABOUCHE (14) who returned to something near her best winning the G3 Goffs Lacken Stakes by 2.75L at Naas last time representing trainer Ger Lyons. JONQUIL (8) is another set to go well eased in trip on the back of his runner-up effort attempting the G1 1600m Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Longchamp. Aidan O'Brien trains the duo WHISTLEJACKET (12) and IDES OF MARCH (7). Both make for each-way appeal.
RACE 3 - Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (2405m)
James Doyle would have had the pick of the Wathnan Racing runners so it's worth noting he sided with FRENCH DUKE (12) who is trained by Roger Varian and finished a good second on soft ground over course and distance when last seen in September. Will appreciate returning to quicker ground and subsequently gelded can defy a 1kg higher mark on reappearance. HAND OF GOD (7) won a valuable handicap over 2000m at this meeting twelve months ago. May take a step forward following a below-par return to action at Newmarket (Rowley) in May. The Willie Mullins-trained ETHICAL DIAMOND (18) provided smart hurdle form recently and cannot be ignored back on the flat with Ryan Moore booked. CAVIAR HEIGHTS (4) also warrants a second look on stable debut for William Haggas.
RACE 4 - G1 Coronation Stakes (1603m)
The Owen Burrows-trained FALAKEYAH (6) created a massive impression landing the 2000m Listed Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket (Rowley) in May. There's no doubt this will require more however she showed a very smart turn of foot that day and holds potential to be even better dropping back to 1600m. ZARIGANA (11) finished second in the G1 Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches when being handed the race by stewards at Longchamp last time out. This talented Francis-Henri Graffard-trained filly could still have more to offer and brings strong form claims. Track is expected to suit. Supplemented entry KON TIKI (9) may provide a bold bid to remain unbeaten following her victory in the Listed Sky Bet Fillies Stakes at York. Each-way claims can go the way of EXACTLY (5).
RACE 5 - Sandringham Stakes (1609m)
George Boughey and Billy Loughnane teamed up to win this twelve months ago for the same connections and could find themselves winning once more thanks to BOUNTIFUL (5) who shaped nicely when fourth in the Listed Spring Cup Stakes at Lingfield AW (1400m) on reappearance. Interesting now up in trip off this opening mark with a first-time tongue-tie fitted. TABITI (1) has not raced since finishing fifth in the 1600m G1 Fillies Mile at Newmarket (Rowley) last season. Can go well making handicap debut. First-time blinkers applied. Commanding Nottingham winner SUPERMODEL (10) maintains an unexposed profile and cannot be ignored up 3.5kg. SILVER GHOST (6) and SWEET CHARIOT (7) are others to note.
RACE 6 - G2 King Edward VII Stakes (2405m)
AMILOC (1) looked smart making it four from four producing a commanding success in the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes over 2200m at Goodwood during May. The Ralph Beckett-trained gelding could relish going up in trip and remain unbeaten. PUPPET MASTER (8) may prove the biggest danger with more improvement expected on the back of a nose victory in the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial (2300m) last time out. Fellow Irish raider ZAHRANN (11) created a nice impression landing the Listed King George V Cup at Leopardstown and cannot be ignored providing proven form over the distance. Talented duo WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE (10) and NIGHTWALKER (6) disappointed in the 2400m G1 Epsom Derby last time. Both are worth keeping onside.
RACE 7 - Palace of Hollyrood House Stakes (1005m)
REALIGN (12) showed good form in defeat last season before winning on reappearance over 1200m at Salisbury last time. Followed home a subsequent dual G1 winner on his debut at Newmarket (Rowley) last season and could prove too well-treated for his rivals off this opening rating. Top weight HAMMER THE HAMMER (1) continues to defy the handicapper this season. Might provide a bold bid once more following wide-margin wins at Southwell and Chester. REDORANGE (9) won well at Chester (1000m) last start and also needs to be included. STORMY IMPACT (8) and RUBY'S PROFIT (13) are others to note from an each-way perspective.
