Tamayuz and Henrythenavigator are the main contenders for the crown though Raven's Pass, who has seen the back of them both too often for the comfort of connections, is no forlorn hope to finally lose his bridesmaid's tag.

Henrythenavigator created something of a surprise when catching New Approach on the line in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket but there was no fluke about that victory as he showed with a repeat in the Irish version.

Further Group 1 victories at Royal Ascot and Goodwood suggested he would remain unbeaten this season, but the bubble burst in very heavy ground at Longchamp when he could only manage fifth behind Goldikova in the Prix De Moulin. That was obviously not his true form and he will be very difficult to beat though he may meet his match in Tamayuz.

Freddie Head's brilliant colt had just over a length to spare over Raven's Pass at Chantilly in July, but looked to have improved dramatically when easily beating the classy Natagora in the Jacques Le Marois at Deauville.

That was only the sixth race of his career and, with further progress likely, the French raider can inflict another blow on the Ballydoyle team after their trials and tribulations this week.

The QEII is the highlight of a fantastic weekend's action at Ascot in which numerous Yorkshire-trained runners are aiming at the big prizes. Mark Johnston's Jukebox Jury is the only entry from our area in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes and he will need to improve massively to take a hand against some highly promising colts.

Cityscape impressed all who saw him score by nine lengths at Salisbury earlier this month and he can reverse earlier running with Almiqdaad, who beat him a length at Newmarket last month.

However, both may be playing for places as Orizaba looks the one to be on. Mick Channon's colt gained a very easy debut victory at Newbury and like most of his stable was under a cloud when well beaten at the Royal Meeting. He bounced back in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, a race that has provided the best lines of form of any juvenile contest this year.

Runner-up Lord Shanakill landed the Mill Reef Stakes last week, the fourth Soul City has won twice subsequently including a Group 3 in France while fifth-placed Shaweel won the Gimcrack and very nearly upset Mastercraftsman in a Group 1 at the Curragh.

With that kind of form under his belt, Orizaba will take the world of beating.

Malton-based John Quinn is hopeful of a big Saturday double with Mastership in the totesport Heritage Handicap at Ascot and Leslingtaylor on Market Rasen's fine televised card.

Johnny Murtagh has been booked for the former, who looks to have a decent chance at the weights, while Leslingtaylor should run well in the 32Red Online Casino Handicap Hurdle though David Pipe's Mutual Friend will take some beating on ground he loves.


TODAY'S BEST

DUKE'S DOUBLE

Orizaba (2.30 Ascot), nap and Cheveton (3.35 Haydock).

DUKE'S TREBLE

Orizaba, Cheveton and Mutual Friend (2.05 Market Rasen).

JULIUS'S DOUBLE

Storm Sir (7.20 Great Leighs), nap and Purple Sage (2.15 Chester).

FORMNAP

Always Waining (3.15 Market Rasen).