Royal Ascot Turf Talk: Merchant Navy could sink Harry Angel's Diamond Jubilee Stakes bid

Harry Angel heads the Diamond Jubilee Stakes betting. PIC: Simon Cooper/PA Wire

The son of Dark Angel made a hugely impressive reappearance in last month’s Duke of York Stakes and heads the betting for the feature event on the final day of Royal Ascot 2018.

Merchant Navy is a fascinating contender for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore, having proved himself at the highest level in Australia before making a successful Irish debut in last month’s Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh.

Other leading contenders include Redkirk Warrior who beat Merchant Navy in Australia and looks a major player in the hands of Frankie Dettori while American maestro Wesley Ward saddles Bound For Nowhere, who was fourth in the Commonwealth Cup 12 months ago.

Last year's Diamond Jubilee Stakes winner, The Tin Man ridden by Tom Queally. PIC: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

City Light represents France, while other leading hopes for the home team include last year’s winner The Tin Man, trained by James Fanshawe, and Dean Ivory’s admirable grey Librisa Breeze, who won the Qipco British Champions Sprint over the course and distance last October.

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

ROYAL ASCOT: 2.30 Beyond Reason, 3.05 Crystal Ocean, 3.40 Queen Of Bermuda (treble), 4.20 HARRY ANGEL (NAP), 5.00 Dreamfield, 5.35 Thomas Hobson (next best).

REDCAR: 1.35 Hafeet Alain, 2.05 Yes Daddy, 2.40 Tan Arabiq, 3.15 Scofflaw, 3.50 Excellently Poised, 4.35 Kody Ridge, 5.15 Boundary Lane, 5.50 Revenge.

AYR: 1.45 Chuck Willis, 2.20 Regulator, 2.55 Mordin, 3.30 Nicholas T, 4.10 Sandra’s Secret, 4.50 Brandon Castle, 5.25 Shaheen.

NEWMARKET: 2.10 Entitle, 2.45 Hatsaway, 3.20 Mesquite, 4.00 Althaaqib, 4.40 Gold Filigree, 5.20 Buridan, 5.55 Beachwalk.

PERTH: 2.00 Francky Du Berlais, 2.35 Motion To Strike, 3.10 Karamoko, 3.45 Tickenwolf, 4.25 Reivers Lodge, 5.05 Mighty Leader, 5.40 Titus Bolt.

HAYDOCK: 6.15 My Fantasea, 6.45 Midnight Malibu, 7.15 More Than This, 7.45 Mosalim, 8.15 Lamloom, 8.45 History Writer.

LINGFIELD: 6.00 Arch Gold, 6.30 Dark Side Jazz, 7.00 Attain, 7.30 Dance Teacher, 8.00 Critical Data, 8.30 Roys Dream, 9.00 Soumei.