Royal Ascot day one – All change, but still so much to look forward to

Biggest meeting of the year remains centre stage despite absent crowds.

No royal procession, huge empty grandstands and no sign of top hats and tails anywhere. Royal Ascot gets under way today – but not as we know it.

Strict protocols for the return of sport in Britain amid the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures mean everything is behind closed doors, with only essential personnel on site at Flat racing’s biggest meeting of the year.

But at least it goes ahead as scheduled, in its planned-for date in the calendar – it was odds against that for a long time.

And while the pomp and ceremony and after-racing singing around the bandstand will be missing, the quality of racing promises to remain at its exalted best.

Taking centre stage on day one is the King’s Stand Stakes, ably backed up by the Queen Anne Stakes, not to mention the King Edward VII and Ribblesdale, which this year promise to serve as real pointers to the Derby and Oaks.

Bank on Battaash

Battaash (striped cap, left) has twice had to play second fiddle to Blue Point
Battaash (striped cap, left) has twice had to play second fiddle to Blue Point (Nigel French/PA)

When Battaash is at his best, there is arguably no finer sprinter in the business. That has been the case for a while, but Blue Point was always his nemesis when it came to the King’s Stand Stakes. Now he is retired, surely the way is clear for Charlie Hills’ speedster to claim what would be a hugely popular success.

Circus master?

Circus Maximus surprised everyone when coming back to a mile in the St James's Palace Stakes last year
Circus Maximus surprised everyone when coming back to a mile in the St James’s Palace Stakes last year (Mike Egerton/PA)

After he crossed the line in a creditable sixth place in last year’s Derby, few would have thought of Circus Maximus as an obvious contender to come back to a mile for the St James’s Palace Stakes. Few people have the genius touch of Aidan O’Brien, however, and the master of Ballydoyle was fully rewarded for what looked a brave move. There is every chance of a Royal meeting double for his charge in the Queen Anne.

Frankly, Frankie

Frankie Dettori is at his very best at Royal Ascot
Frankie Dettori is at his very best at Royal Ascot (Adam Davy/PA)

No one does Royal Ascot quite like Frankie Dettori. And while there are no crowds this year to look on adoringly, it might not be long before the Italian is performing his trademark flying dismount, because Frankly Darling promises to be a major player in the Ribblesdale Stakes.

Mogul keeping it in the family

Mogul is bred to be a champion
Mogul is bred to be a champion (Niall Carson/PA)

Mogul is a full-brother to the very smart Japan, who won the King Edward VII Stakes 12 months ago. He came to Ascot after finishing third in the Derby. Mogul is doing it the other way round – and there is a strong argument to be made that he may yet outdo his elder sibling and come home in front here and at Epsom.

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