Queen's Vase Guide

1. Almost Midnight

Trainer - David Simcock

Jockey - James McDonald

The first runner in the Group 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot is a sharp three year old that is the outsider of the field but might just out run his odds.

He is taking a huge step up in trip which is why he is such big odds but in his three races he has shown a lot of potential with two wins and a nice second but he may find to many a bit to good.

2. Barbados

Trainer - Aidan O'Brien

Jockey - Wayne Lordan

The first of the Ballydoyle runners is another outsider in this race but can't be overlooked especially knowing how well O'Brien's big priced runners have finished in races like this before.

He is stepping up from his last run of 1 mile 4 furlongs but it looks as if the extra distance will suit him perfectly and although some of the others offer better form he could just surprise some people.

3. Dashing Willoughby

Trainer - Andrew Balding

Jockey - Oisin Murphy

Dashing Willoughby goes for Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy and it would take some serious improvement for him to be in the frame in this one.

He finished third behind Norway and Derby fifth Sir Dragonet in the Chester Vase last time out but it was quite a way back and he needed better form to be able get excited about his chances.

4. Eminent Authority

Trainer - Joseph O'Brien

Jockey - Jamie Spencer

One of the most unexposed horses in the field is this three year old who has shown plenty of ability on all two of his starts in Ireland and it would not be a shock to see him revel over this new trip.

He looked good on his debut run but could have been better on his second start but the further he goes the better he looks to be and could sneak into contention.

5. Harpo Marx

Trainer - Aidan O'Brien

Jockey - Seamie Heffernan

The second of Aidan O'Brien's runners is another outsider in the field and does look one of the weakest runners from the yard with his best form being a winner last time out in a poor maiden at Tipperary.

He has the Epsom Derby winning jockey on board but he will need to have come on a lot to be in the frame in this one and it might just be too much over this further distance for him.

6. Jalmoud

Trainer - Charlie Appleby

Jockey - James Doyle

Godolphin's leading chance is the three year old Jalmoud who in his three runs to date has a nice record finishing second at the back end of last year but is unbeaten so far this season.

His latest performance when bumped up to 1 mile 4f bought the best out of him in a Group3 contest at Longchamp and if taking to this extra step up he could be one to watch.

7. Moonlight Spirit

Trainer - Charlie Appleby

Jockey - Kerrin McEvoy

This is Appleby's and Godolphin's second string in the race and he will have to come on a bunch over this extra trip to feature on Wednesday.

He finished third behind stablemate Jalmoud in the Group 3 at Longchamp which is fair form but does not look strong enough to feature in this contest.

8. Nate The Great

Trainer - Archie Watson

Jockey - Hollie Doyle

This three year old last season was a good performer over shorter distances but has stepped up in trip massively this year and has been fairly effective in some good contests.

His latest performance at Lingfield was one his best finishing third to eventual Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck and that is a great form line heading into this contest.

9. Nayef Road

Trainer - Mark Johnston

Jockey - Andrea Atzeni

Mark Johnston has a great record in this race and could add to that with Nayef Road. This three year old has raced better than his figures suggested in some decent races and if using that form enters calculations.

The rain is a disadvantage for this horse who would like the ground quick but is certainly not on to discount at a decent price.

10. Norway

Trainer - Aidan O'Brien

Jockey - Ryan Moore

After a superb first day at Royal Ascot Aidan O'Brien again he has the leading chance in this one with Norway who finished a modest eighth in the Derby but looks the stand out performer out of the four from the yard.

Ryan Moore has chose this three year old and after the first day he is in red hot form himself and if the rain stays away he has a great chance.

11. Pythion

Trainer - Ger Lyons

Jockey - Colin Keane

Another Irish raider comes from the Ger Lyons yard and if coming on for his last run has a serious chance of entering the frame at a big each-way chance.

He finished a good second behind Western Australia when stepped up to 1 mile 5f in a Listed event at Navan and it looks like the extra distance will suit even more.

12. Themaxwecan

Trainer - Mark Johnston

Jockey - Silvestre De Sousa

Another of the Mark Johnston runners won't like the rain falling and if it is declared soft is one to stay away from but if it is good ground can enter each-way calculations.

He finished second in a good handicap at Doncaster last time out and even though not getting the win it was still a good run and holds some ability.

13. Western Australia

Trainer - Aidan O'Brien

Jockey - Donnacha O'Brien

Western Australia is a really interesting customer as at the back end of last season he finished a good third in a Group 1 at Doncaster and now being stepped up in trip as a three year old he has took to it really well.

Last time out he took a Listed marathon race at Navan and if using that form to step up again can be in the mix for the master trainer.