Australian racing fans look set to enjoy another Royal Ascot as the five-day extravaganza draws to a close.
But it's not Home Affairs, the stablemate of the sprinter Nature Strip who blazed a trail to victory earlier in the week, who can strike in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes (4.20pm).
Instead, plump for his compatriot Artorius, over a track and trip which should prove ideal.
The big race selection is expected to be finishing powerfully with Jamie Spencer in the saddle.
Recent market supports gives backers extra confidence in his chances as he bids to deliver a big success for the international team.
Newsboy's racing tips for every race on Saturday at Royal Ascot 2022
Chesham Stakes (2.30pm)
Alfred Munnings will be very hard to beat as he seeks to give Aidan O’Brien a third Chesham Stakes win – and a record seventh in all.
Dubawi’s son, a nephew of Ballydoyle Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Found, was well found in the market when making his debut at Leopardstown last month.
Ryan Moore’s mount didn’t disappoint his supporters, travelling with menace before extending for a stonking four-and-a-half-length win – and there is plenty more where that came from.
Crypto Force, Alzahir and One World are all at the start of careers that promise much and can fight it out for places on the podium.
Jersey Stakes (3.05pm)
Star Girls Aalmal ran a cracker to take fourth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas – and there is no Homeless Songs in this line-up.
The exceptional winner scored by five and a half lengths at the Curragh, while the Henry de Bromhead-saddled daughter of Elzaam came home in a bunch for the minors.
Prior to raising her sights to Classic level, Star Girls Aalmal had been progressive at this seven-furlong distance and can put National Hunt leviathan de Bromhead on Royal Ascot ’s centre stage.
Favourite Noble Truth has more to offer, as do Monaadah and Samburu.
Hardwicke Stakes (3.40pm)
Solid Stone is the value bet against hot favourite Hurricane Lane.
Sir Michael Stoute has captured the Hardwicke Stakes on no fewer than 11 occasions, so the fact he chose to supplement the six-year-old at the start of the week is worthy of note.
Solid Stone’s form certainly passes muster – latest of his six career wins came at Group 2 level when he took Chester’s Huxley Stakes by three lengths – and his front-running style could come in handy if this eight-runner affair turns tactical.
Hurricane Lane returns from an absence but is the clubhouse leader in terms of his accomplishments, while Mostahdaf can take home the bronze medal.
Platinum Jubilee Stakes (4.20pm)
Artorius is fancied to seal Australia’s monopoly on the week’s Group 1 sprints after the King’s Stand Stakes victory of compatriot Nature Strip on Tuesday.
Trained in tandem by Anthony Freedman and son Sam, Artorius has one top-tier triumph on his CV, having won the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in February of last year.
And he may not be done with at this level after running-on efforts – both sixth placings – at Caulfield and Flemington in the spring. This stiff six furlongs is tailor-made for Artorius and Jamie Spencer’s death-rattle style is also ideal.
Fellow Aussie Home Affairs heads the market and is feared most, with Creative Force and Sacred also capable of playing a part.
Wokingham Handicap (5.00pm)
Silver Samurai is a well-handicapped runner who is on a roll. What’s not to like?
Having spent most of his career competing over further, the Marco Botti-trained grey has thrived for a step back to six furlongs.
Back to winning ways with a head margin at Newbury in the middle of last month, Ben Curtis’s mount followed up from a 4lb higher mark at Haydock Park 15 days later.
His 5lb penalty leaves my selection 1lb well in on British Horseracing Authority figures, and his smooth-travelling way of doing things will hold him in good stead.
In a typically wide-open Wokingham, Blackrod, Jumby, Gulliver and Lampang are just four with claims.
Golden Gates Handicap (5.35pm)
Phantom Flight has the profile to give trainer James Horton a breakthrough win in his first season with a licence.
After a promising debut second at Newcastle in March, the Siyouni colt has gone one better in one-mile novice stakes at Redcar and Haydock Park.
Both his run style and pedigree are portents of another step forward now that Phantom Flight tackles 10 furlongs, so a British Horseracing Authority mark of 95 looks within range.
Improving three-year-olds Missed The Cut, Falling Shadow and Chairman all warrant a second look.
Queen Alexandra Stakes (6.10pm)
Falcon Eight, whose younger brother Kyprios lifted Thursday’s Gold Cup, gets the vote to complete a family double.
Dermot Weld's 2021 Chester Cup hero, successful over hurdles in February, ran a sterling fifth in defence of his crown on the Roodee last month – form that looks strong in the light of this week’s events – and Tom Marquand’s partner should be right at home over this marathon distance.
With Trueshan needing a downpour to take part, Wordsworth rates a major threat, along with last year’s winner, Stratum.
