Second time lucky for So You Think?

So You Think (far side) gets caught close home in last year’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Can he make it second time lucky on Wednesday? Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

So You Think was considered by most people as a Royal Ascot banker last year, but Frankie Dettori had other ideas on Rewilding and collared the Aidan O’Brien-trained favourite in the dying strides.

Odds-on again for tomorrow’s renewal of the ten furlong contest, race three in the QIPCO Bitish Champions Series Middle Distance division, So You Think looks sure to take all the beating, but the ex-Australian star has never quite lived up to the high expectations that many in Europe had for him and he could once again be vulnerable.

Frankie will be hoping to beat him again, this time on board Farhh, who is unbeaten in three far lower grade races. Whilst he has a lot to find on ratings, some describe him as "a machine" and he could pose a real threat.

All eyes, however, will be on The Queen’s runner, Carlton House. Can the four-year-old, who finished third in last year’s Investec Derby, give Her Majesty a Royal Ascot winner in her Diamond Jubilee year?

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt won well at Sandown on his reappearance and looks sure to throw down a big challenge to So You Think.

The ex-French trained Planteur, now with Marco Botti in Newmarket, can’t be ruled out, while the sole French raider, Reliable Man, also has good form to his name from last year, notably his French Derby victory.

Big Blue Kitten is an interesting raider from the USA, but would appear to have a lot of improvement to find if he is to be involved in the finish.

So You Think has to be rated the most likely winner, albeit that there are plenty of viable dangers, and if successful would boost the leads for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien in the Trainer and Jockey of the Series tables.

Catch tomorrow’s big race live on the BBC and At The Races – it is due off at 3.45pm.