The opening race of the Royal meeting was won twelve months ago in astonishing style by the mighty Frankel. Well do well to see a performance like that this year in what looks a weak renewal all things considered, but in Kentucky Derby winner and Dubai World Cup hero
Animal Kingdom (evens) we could still have a superstar capable of hopefully setting the tone for the week with a pulsating performance. With the betting as it stands, the more hardened punter in me would be tempted to try and find a juicier priced alternative to the American raider given that his most memorable performances have all come on non-turf surfaces. However as the likely challengers have fallen by the wayside in recent weeks its become more and more difficult to find a likely candidate to beat him. Lockinge hero Farhhs absence was the final nail in the coffin of getting any value about Animal Kingdom, and a quick word of caution to those looking to oppose Animal Kingdom on his lack of turf form he ran an absolute blinder coming off a huge lay-off in the Breeders Cup mile last November on the Santa Anita turf course. Over the past fortnight Animal Kingdom has been backed as if defeat is out of the question, the volume of money really has been incredible, meaning hes likely to go off the shortest priced favourite of the week. Its hardly original, you wont get rich backing him and theres certainly no value to be had in doing so but Animal Kingdom looks head and shoulders above his opposition here and should add a Royal Ascot win to what is already a stellar resume. Of his likely opposition, Aidan OBriens
Declaration Of War (13/2) should prove to be much better than he showed in the Lockinge when well beaten, John Gosdens Group 1-winning filly
Elusive Kate could take advantage of getting weight from her male counterparts and
Aljamaaheer (14/1) looked to finally be living up to his potential last time out and could be pick of the remainder at a bigger price for those looking for a bit of each-way value. If you fancy one of the potential Animal Kingdom party crashers it would certainly be advisable to
place your bet with Paddy Power as the trailblazing Irish bookie is offering money back on all losing win single bets (up to £100) if Animal Kingdom wins the Queen Anne.
Selection: Animal Kingdom @ evens
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