German runner and the rest of Royal Ascot

From the German point of view, the Group Three Tercentenary Stakes for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 18.00 CET is the most interesting race of the day, as Gestüt Schlenderhan´s Energizer (Jens Hirschberger/ Adrie de Vries) has an undeniable chance. He has run well on all starts so far and was fourth last time oin the German 2,000 Guineas on going that was too firm; conditions today should be ideal.

Nothing really stands out here, although the lightly-raced Tales of Grimm (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) is the likely favourite. Energizer is running for the first time over this distance, but on pedigree that should be problem. He is by Monsun and it could be a red-letter day for the Schlenderhan stallion, as we also like Kailani (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Mikael Barzalona) in the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes for 3yo fillies over 1 1/2 miles at 16.05. She is out of German-bred Kazzia, who loved soft groud. Several of these ran in the Oaks, with Shirocco Star (Hughie Morrison/ Darryll Holland) running on well into second, The Fugue (John Gosden/ William Buick) having a nightmare run in third, Vow (William Haggas/ Johnny Murtagh) in fourth, Kailani seventh, Colima ninth and Twirl eleventh. Everyone saw how unlucky The Fugue appeared to be and she is at a very short price as a result, but we would not be surprised to see Shirocco Star -out of another Schlenderhan stallion- confir m the form, and hope to see Kailani, who clearly did not act on the track at Epsom, overtake them both.

Aidan O´Brien is the leading trainer at the meeting so far and can extend his lead with Gale Force Ten, ridden by son Joseph, in the Norfolk Stakes for speedy 2yo´s at 15.30, with Cay Verde (Mick Channon/ Craig Williams) possibly the best of the home runners.

The two handicaps are as always ferociously difficult, with big gields and dozens of possibilities. For the record, our 4 against the field in the Britannia Stakes (3yo´s, one mile,at 17.25) are Piri Wango, Bronze Angel, Trader Jack and Frog Hollow,