Royal Ascot Day 5

The Ballydoyle juvenile CARRY THE FLAG heads the market and it is easy to see why. His form figures of 2-1-2 are those of a colt who has been knocking on the door at a high level, and the Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore combination is one you always have to respect at this meeting.

There is always pace and depth in the Norfolk, so he will need to bring his best, but he looks the most reliable option in the race and makes plenty of appeal at the prices.

I was with KALPANA at Newbury and she showed a nice change of gear to put that to bed before always doing enough late on. She will come on for the run and loves this track so she is the one to beat.

Jan Brueghel is tough and in form so looks the likely danger. Goliath is another one capable of getting seriously competitive in this.

The Japanese raider SATONO REVE adds real intrigue to the sprint and I am happy to take a chance on him at the prices. His profile is that of a proven Group performer on the international stage and the booking of Ryan Moore is a strong signal of intent.

The draw is wide and that is a slight concern, but he has the class to overcome it. Against a strong home defence he looks the value angle into the race.

I was really impressed with SABER STRIKE at Newmarket last month. He was given a patient ride but came through strongly and won going away at the line. This track will suit and he can improve again so definitely keep on side.

The Prettiest Star is a nice prospect too and if she improves she could give the favourite most to do here.

The Wokingham is one of the toughest puzzles of the week but BINHAREER fits the profile of a horse on the upgrade. His recent form line of 3-6-1-2 reads well for the William Haggas yard and Tom Marquand keeps the ride, which is always a positive sign.

He carries a fair weight off the back of that progress and the high draw is a slight worry in a big field, so each-way looks the sensible way in, but in a race that rewards momentum he is one I want on side.

SAHARA KING has been knocking on the door in good handicaps and looks ready to strike for Richard Hannon. The form figures of 1-5-2-2 show a consistent three-year-old who keeps running his race, and James Doyle taking over is the kind of booking that catches the eye.

At 6/1 in a competitive heat he looks overpriced to me and he is the one I want to be with in the Golden Gates.

The marathon trip of the Queen Alexandra brings its own demands and the staying type A PIECE OF HEAVEN has the profile to relish it. His recent form figures of 2-2-1 point to a horse arriving in good order for Joseph O'Brien, and stamina is clearly his strong suit at this stage of his career.

It is a specialist test to close the week and at 8/1 he looks a tempting each-way play to sign off on.