Royal Ascot: day one, St. James´ s Palace

The St. James´s Place Stakes over a mile for 3yo´s at 17.15 CET sees one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the season, between Night of Thunder (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Kingman (John Gosden/ James Doyle). Kingman beat his rival first time out this season, but Night of Thunder took his revenge in the2,000 Guineas, probably the best race of the season so far. Night of Thunder has not run since, but KIngman was back on the winning trail in the Irish 2,00 which he won most impressively. In our opinion Kingman was a bit unlucky at Newmarket - his only career defeat so far- and we expect him to put the record straight this time. This is the smallest field of the day with only 7 runners, and is probably a two-horse race, although Hannon´s other runner Toormore (Ryan Moore) must be respected after leading much of the way in the 2,000, where Outstrip (Charlie Appleby/ William Buick) finished last. War Command (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) also ran there without making much show, but will certainly do better today. Prince of Ali (Peter Deegan/ Chris Hayes) and Yuften (Wlliam Haggas/ Andrea Atzeni) are both unbeaten this season, but in much less exalted company, and have a mountain to climb here.