QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES ASCOT FESTIVAL BETTING TIPS

We've got five horses that ooze quality from every orifice taking each other on at Ascot tomorrow for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at 4:15. At the moment, it looks to be a battle between the top two- Rip Van Winkle and Delegator. Both have had stand-out seasons and it seems as though the bookies are pushing this one in Rip Van Winkle's favour. He's unraced since late July when he topped the BGC Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. There was some real quality in that field and I really think that he would have had a lot more 1st place finishes if it wasn't for Sea the Stars, who he has run against three times this year. He gave it all he had in the Coral Eclipse when he finished second to Sea the Stars and I think the step down in class will really do him a favour. I've won some solid cash with delegator this season and I'm tempted to have a bash on him again. I think he would normally be the first choice for the bottom end of your forecasts, but he's been beaten twice in a row by Mastercraftsman. His 2nd place finish in the 2000 Guineas does belie confidence though and I think he is a solid each-way option with Rip Van Winkle under water at around 8/11. Saeed Bin Suroor has been in a rich vein of form in the quality races and I like him against AP O'Brien's charges. Mastercraftsman is another one who's been there battling with Sea the Stars all season. He finished 3rd to him at Leopardstown earlier in the month and finished 2nd to him at York in mid-August. The confidence here comes from topping Delegator (and a field of 16) over this same surface in the St. James Palace Stakes. Sir Michael Stoute's Zacinto is a solid outside bet if you're feeling a bit cheeky or you've seen a few upsets during the day. Aqlaam has a chance at it, but I just don't think he's got what it takes against this field. Mastercraftsman E/W with a Rip Van Winkle/Delegator E/W Forecast.