THE FINAL day of five at Royal Ascot is the feature this weekend with yet more top quality racing to be viewed.  Aidan O’Brien’s horses have been in startling form this week claiming three Group Ones already and there is the strong likelihood that he’ll add the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes to his tally with recent Coronation Cup third Macarthur.  A full-brother to 2005 Derby winner Motivator this horse has taken some time to show his true form but has been running very well so far this season.  He was successful on his second start in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester before putting in a spirited effort when almost stealing the Coronation Cup from the front.  Furthermore he also had the class to finish a close up sixth in last season’s St. Leger at Doncaster.  With ground fears concerning a lot of the runners and this horse proven on any ground from soft up to good to firm I can see him going very close.  Another horse who could start the day off in a royal fashion is the Richard Hannon-trained Free Agent.  The son of Dr Fong is owned and bred by Her Majesty and was most taking when winning his maiden at Leicester.  Although he preferred softer ground himself, Dr Fong’s progeny are capable of running on any sort of ground and a seventh furlong wouldn’t appear to jeopardise this colt’s chance being a half-brother to two mile-and-a-half winners and he won his maiden going away.

Selections – 2.30 Royal Ascot, 3 Free Agent