Two classics for the three-year-olds

Ascot, Friday, 23 June: Great sport will also be on offer on the fourth day of the Festival at Royal Ascot. The Commonwealth Cup (2nd race/16.05pm£600,000/1207m), established only eight years ago for three-year-old sprinters, could be a haul for Aidan O`Brien`s Little Big Bear (Ryan Moore).

After his poor showing in the 2000 Guineas (Group 1), he put things right again in the Sandy Lane Stakes (Group 2), winning easily by just under two lengths against Shouldvebeenaring (Sean Levey). Sakheer (David Egan) also came up empty in Newmarkt, but finished well ahead of the O`Brien charge. Last year, the Varian protégé won the Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) in superior fashion. Shaquille (Oisin Murphy) has yet to lose a race this year and, like Cheveley Park Stakes winner Lezoo (Frankie Dettori), is expected to finish well in front. Noble Style (James Doyle) had no chance against Shaquille at Newbury, but a reversal of form still seems possible. Ocean Quest (Colin Keane) always runs reliably in the honoured ranks.

It`s over the mile in the Coronation Stakes (4th race/17.20pm/500th,000 pounds/1603m) for the three-year-old fillies. Last year`s runner-up in the Queen Anne Stakes was dominated by Insprial from the stable of John and Thady Gosden, who once again have a hot potato in the fire in Queen For You (Robert Havlin). On her most recent start, she battled Sounds Of Heaven (Ronan Whelan) to victory and narrowly lost out. Tahiyra (Chris Hayes) and Meditate (Ryan Moore) also met last time out. In both the Irish and English 1000 Guineas (Group 1), the Aga Khan mare was clearly better and that was not to change this time. Mammas Girl (Kevin Stott) deserves a mention as the winner of the Nell Gwyn Stakes (Group 3).