Just The Judge set to be crowned Queen in Coronation Clash

Richard Hannon has saddled over thirty runners in the opening three days of the meeting and is still searching for that elusive first winner. Admittedly he was close with Toronado and Van Der Neer but I’m sure he would have liked to have a winner on the board by now.

Sky Lantern has not run since Newmarket where she swooped late to beat Just The Judge by half a length. Just The Judge was an emphatic winner of the Irish Guineas and is favourite to turn the tables on Friday.

It is far from being just a match between the two and Pavlosk is an interesting supplementary entry from Sir Michael Stoute’s stable. She was impressive at York and Ryan Moore is riding out of his skin at the moment.

The card begins with the Albany Stakes at 2.30 and Lady Cecil’s Joyeuse has a real chance of providing her with a second winner at the meeting. She is a half-sister to the great Frankel and won nicely on her course debut. Frankie Dettori is another still waiting for his first winner and he has a great chance on Richard Fahey’s Sandiva.

King Edward VII Stakes at 3.05 looks like a perfect opportunity for Derby fourth Battle Of Marengo to return to winning ways. The Epsom classic can leave it’s mark on horses so there is always a slight concern going into this meeting but class should see him home. Greatwood could give him most to do if he can put a terrible run in the Dante Stakes behind him.

The Wolferton Handicap at 4.25 provides Sheikhzayedroad with a decent chance to follow up his Epsom win. He made up plenty of ground to win that day without appearing to handle the course at all. The unbeaten Albasharah is the dark horse of the race and represents Godolphin. This is only the fourth start for the filly but many of her rivals look fully exposed.

The Queen’s Vase at 5.00 looks destined to go the way of Aidan O’Brien with Leading Light. His victory in the Gallinule Stakes reads better than anything posted by the opposition, although there will plenty of support for Lady Cecil’s Disclaimer with the race having been named in honour of her late husband.

The closing Buckingham Palace Stakes at 5.35 could go the way of Sir Michael Stoute’s lightly-raced filly Enrol. She very nearly caught the useful Nocturn at Newmarket over six furlongs last time and should appreciate this step up in trip.