Royal Ascot Day 1

The opening Group 1 of the meeting looks stronger than last year's renewal and I think it can go the way of NOTABLE SPEECH. He produced a devastating turn of foot to win the Lockinge and if repeating that level of form he is going to take plenty of stopping. He looked every inch a top-class miler that day and Ascot's straight mile should suit him perfectly.

More Thunder is an obvious danger after chasing him home last time and should strip fitter, while Opera Ballo remains open to plenty of improvement. Even so, I think they may all struggle if the selection produces that same explosive finish.

Aidan O'Brien has a tremendous record in this race and CONFUCIUS could be another smart juvenile for Ballydoyle. He shaped with plenty of promise on debut before improving nicely to score at Naas and still looked a little raw, suggesting there is much more to come.

Great Barrier Reef is unbeaten and rates the main threat, while Cut A Dash made a striking impression at York and should improve again. The favourite still sets the standard though and looks the one to beat.

The market is headed by some familiar names but I'm happy to chance RAYEVKA at the prices. The French filly has strong Ascot form already and returned to winning ways at Longchamp last month. She arrives here in great heart and looks underestimated by the bookies.

Overpass commands respect representing Australia, while Night Raider and American Affair both have claims. In a race that often throws up value, Rayevka appeals as the each-way play.

I was extremely sweet on Field Of Gold in this race last year and I feel even stronger about BOW ECHO this time around. His Guineas victory was hugely impressive and George Boughey's star colt looks capable of developing into one of the leading milers in training.

Gstaad is a talented rival and should ensure this is no procession, but I think Bow Echo has a level of class that could set him apart. He is my strongest bet on the opening day.

I backed REACHING HIGH in this race last year and felt he was desperately unlucky. Nothing went right for him in running and he never got the chance to show what he could do. Off the same mark, this looks an excellent opportunity for compensation.

Puturhandstogether is feared in first-time cheekpieces, while Beylerbeyi should appreciate this test. Even so, I think the selection remains well treated and can make amends.

The Wolferton often rewards a bit of value hunting and NAHRAAN catches my eye at a double-figure price. He has only had four starts and remains open to significant improvement. His form in France reads well and he could easily take a big step forward this season.

Haatem should run well in defence of his title, while King's Gambit is another capable of getting involved. At the odds though, Nahraan makes most appeal.

The concluding handicap looks competitive but DAIQUIRI BAY could still have more to offer. He made a winning return at Newmarket and shaped like a horse capable of progressing again this season. A 4lb rise looks fair and I think he remains on a workable mark.

Valiancy is respected and Gamrai should also be thereabouts, but at the prices Daiquiri Bay looks the value play.