Royal Ascot gets underway at 2.30 p.m. today with the Queen Anne Stakes, a fascinating Group 1 race over the straight mile. DOCKLANDS did this column a good turn this time last year when winning this contest after being put up at 25-1. Although he is not going to be anything like those odds this time, I am going to stay loyal to this likeable six-year-old.

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Admittedly this year’s contest is a hotter event than a year ago and the likes of Notable Speech, Opera Ballo and More Thunder are officially rated superior to trainer Harry Eustace’s course specialist. However, Docklands overcame both a slow start and his rider dropping his whip in last year’s race, and he comes into the meeting in good form. 

With strong course form counting for a lot at Ascot, back Docklands 1 point each way at 9-1 with William Hill, paying three places and already Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG).

Another horse to do this column a good turn on the opening day of Royal Ascot a year ago was AMERICAN AFFAIR when he won the King Charles III Stakes, having been put up at 16-1.

With the likely front runners drawn high in the shape of Overpass (stall 19) and Jakajaro (stall 23), this year’s race (3.40 p.m.) could........

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