2010 Royal Ascot Albany Stakes and King Edward VII Stakes Tips

We had another excellent day at the 2010 Royal Ascot, and while this one may not have been the best day for the punters we saw some absolutely first-class racing once again.

Friday's action at the 2010 Royal Ascot opens with two rather promising races, but it’s worth noting that further watering on the course is expected.

The Group 3 Albany Stakes has a massive lineup of 23 two year-old fillies going 6f. Races with this many contenders are always a bit of a crap shoot.

The current betting favourite is also the filly with the most races under her belt, and that's the progressive-looking Radharcnafarraige (Distorted Humor). This Bolger-trained bay filly has already won at Group 3 level when capturing the Coolmore Stud Fillys Stakes at Naas in the first week of June.

She's got two wins from four and has never finished off the board. At 5.0, I think that's a great shout as you don't normally have as much information to work with.

I've also got my eye on Sir Mark Prescott's Hooray (Invincible Spirit) who is listed at a 7.0 price tag. She took a Div I victory at Kempton in her first race. She's got Seb Sanders booked for the trip and has likely been pointed at this one for a while. Another to watch is the respected Al Sharood (Shamardal) from Godolphin who will have Frankie Dettori aboard for the trip. She's priced at 10.0.

The second race of the day is the King Edward VII Stakes and this one is shaping up to be a really solid contest between 8 quality three year-olds. The Group 2 encounter could provide a real spark for any of these colts and it looks like Green Moon (Montjeu) is the current betting favourite. This bay colt has taken three from three this season with listed and handicap victories. These have come against solid fields so I think you need to respect that.

The Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Monterosso (Dubawi) is trading at an enticing 5.5 and has finished either 2nd or 1st in every race he's run in. It's interesting that most of the favourites have raced at handicap level and they are all going in on even weights this time out.

While this Godolphin-owned 3 year-old is more heavily-raced than the others, and doesn't boast nearly as distinguished a record, he drops down from Group 1 level to face contenders coming off listed victories.

He finished second last year to Dick Turpin in the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. He has won at Group 3 level and is placed in Group 1 and 2 competition. I think there are horses with better records, but this one is taking a drop in class while the favourites are taking very big steps up. I think he's very well-priced at 17.0 and is my tip for the race.