Royal Ascot: jockeys and trainers you need to follow this week

While it’s clear to most that British racing is not experiencing the most harmonious of periods due to issues with prize-money (or lack of) and field sizes, you only have to look at the runners at Royal Ascot to know that it is still the meeting that attracts the biggest and best participants from across the world. Here are the jockeys and trainers you should keep an eye on this week. 

JOCKEYS TO FOLLOW

Frankie Dettori

It has been 32 years since Frankie Dettori rode his first Royal Ascot winner in the 1990 Queen Anne Stakes aboard Markofdistinction. Despite a further 75 victories, his passion and hunger for this week is apparent to all. 

He has plenty of good chances on John and Thady Gosden-trained runners across the week, but might also pick up a few choice Coolmore spares, which could bolster his tally.

Despite Emily Upjohn being ruled out of the Ribblesdale, Thursday could be a bumper day for Dettori with rides on Reach For The Moon (Hampton Court) and the popular Stradivarius, who can regain his Gold Cup crown after he received a less-than-vintage ride from Dettori last year.

William Buick

Oisin Murphy was crowned ‘Leading Rider’ last year, but he’s forced to watch on for the sidelines this year while he serves his ban. 

The bookies have installed Ryan Moore as the favourite to take the title this season, but, with the Coolmore older horses looking a level below the usual standard, I’m sure that William Buick will fancy his chances.

Coroebus looks a virtual certainty in Tuesday’s St James Palace Stakes, while Saffron Beach, Chateau and Secret State look to have strong credentials on Wednesday. He can dominate this week en route to a much-deserved jockey’s championship.

Benoit De La Sayette

Harry Davies who is receiving a huge majority of the plaudits this season and, while there is no doubting his talent, it's Benoit De La Sayette who has impressed me most. 

He has gone about his business quietly after returning from his ban, with the clear intention of staying under the radar while letting his riding do the talking. A healthy 20% strike-rate this year suggests that it is working well. 

While he’s at Thirsk on Tuesday, De La Sayette has a number of solid chances in Wednesday’s Royal Ascot handicaps. Technique could be one who relishes the quick conditions.

TRAINERS TO FOLLOW

Aidan O’Brien

No Ascot trainer is under as much pressure as the legendary man himself. Not only is Aidan O’Brien tasked with providing Coolmore with winners on the track, but he also has the monumental challenge of helping to shape and develop their future stallions.

Plenty of effort has gone into finding a bloodline to compliment the Coolmore broodmare-band, which is understandably heavily populated by Galileo, such was the depth of success he provided. 

Two sons of Scat Daddy - Caravaggio and No Nay Never - are starting to make their mark, while outsourcing through Dubawi and Kingman is proving successful. I’m expecting O’Brien to have a good week with his two-year olds, with Alfred Munnings (Chesham) looking the pick of a strong team.

Alice Haynes

The rise of owners Amo Racing has been refreshing, as has their willingness to support smaller and less-established trainers, an ethos that came within a head of delivering a coveted Royal Ascot winner last year when the David Loughnane-trained Go Bears Go was narrowly denied in the Norfolk Stakes.

Alice Haynes is only in her second season training, but she has quickly become a name associated with fast and precocious two-year olds. Remarkable Force doesn’t have the most favourable draw in the Coventry, but he has clear form claims for Haynes and Amo Racing, while Lady Bullet shouldn’t be overlooked in the Albany. 

George Boughey

SBK ambassador George Boughey is enjoying a stellar season, having already bagged the Qipco 1,000 Guineas with the tough and likeable Cachet. 

Her chances of winning the Coronation Stakes have been given a boost with news that ante-post favourite Homeless Songs is unlikely to run. Ascot should suit Cachet and I would favour her over Inspiral.

Boughey will also be well represented in many of the handicaps, with Missed The Cut, who runs in the Golden Gate Stakes, standing out as a strong contender.