2010 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot Preview and Tips

You really can't ask for a bigger race to kick off a stellar multi-day event; the 2010 Queen Anne Stakes has several first-rate contenders facing off against a mare who could very well be in the process of racing herself into the history books.

Say what you will about Goldikova (Anabaa), but this five-star five year-old is a justifiable favourite in this race and I think that over her career she's shown that she can win in a number of different ways.

The two-time defending Breeders Cup Mile champion is one of the best in the world currently racing at this distance and she's already got a Group 1 victory under her belt this season, having capture the Prix D'Ispahan at Longchamp on May 23 when sent off as a 4/6 favourite. No career runs over the Ascot surface is an interesting variable to consider though. You'll find her currently priced at 7/4 with William Hill.

Rip Van Winkle (Galileo) took the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II stakes here last September and then wound up being an absolute bust when going off as the 2/1 favourite in the 2009 Breeder’s Cup Classic. This AP O'Brien-trained colt may need a run before getting back in top form.

Paco Boy (Desert Style) has Group 2 and Group 1 victories so far this season over some rather talented older opposition. The defending Queen Anne Stakes champion brings some solid form to the table and you just wonder whether he'll be able to keep up the pace if Goldikova gets up front early.

Cat Junior (Storm Cat) is by a popular sire who has really bounced around all over the place during his three active years in the business. He scored a Group 3 victory at Meydan during the Dubai World Cup meet despite being a disapointing ninth to Calming Influence in the Godolphin Mile. A 66/1 price makes this one an each-way terror if you're looking for a raw spoiler.

Sir Michael Stoute sends Zacinto (Dansili) into this one and a dead-last finish to Goldikova in the Breeder’s Cup Mile doesn't really inspire a huge amount of confidence, although you hear whispers in the racing media that he could be poised for a break-out run here. 16/1 isn't long enough for me against this company, however.

The Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned 4 year-old bay Ouqba (Red Ransom) is an intruiging selection who could add a bit of value to your forecast and tricast bets. He's run second in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes to Paco Boy and looked like he could have won the thing if the race had been a bit more to his liking. If you think he's a progressive sort, the 16/1 is okay but 20/1 would be more appealing.