5:00 Royal Ascot: Unexposed Monterey can get the job done

Stamina will almost certainly be the key in the Ascot Stakes and although Monterey has never even tried 2m, let alone 2m4f, he looks as though he can improve to claim victory at 14/1.

Monterey is certainly a character, having raced alone in a big field on his latest start at Newmarket staying on to take the lead in the closing stages.

Drawn in the middle of the track at Ascot, Robert Havlin will have the option of easing the horse towards the left rail again if he believes the horse will naturally hang in this direction.

Havlin certainly understands the quirks of the horse having been on board in three previous races and both this year, after a two-year course absence.

Monterey is clearly talented and comes from a good line of breeding, while being more unexposed than all of his rivals having had just six career starts.

Al Khawaneej is an interesting runner at 8/1 as he bids for a fourth successive victory and third of the season.

He is another who is unexposed over this sort of trip, but it is hard to believe that he can keep improving after taking giant strides up the handicap in this better quality of race.

Horses that have been running over hurdles of late should also not be ruled out, with Veiled one such runner as he bids to win the Ascot Stakes for the second year in succession.

However, he will find this tougher at 12/1 as he has to carry an additional 6lb.

The fact that Willie Mullins has made the effort to send over Simenon must ensure this runner is respected, while Western Pearl looks to have a winnable handicap mark and the solid jockey booking of Frankie Dettori.

Like Monterey, Western Pearl is 16/1, with Simenon available at 7/1.