Racing: Silver Rhapsody to climb up the scale

Simon Holt of Channel 4 Racing analyses this afternoon's Princess Royal Stakes at Ascot

Delilah: Smart if enigmatic performer. Seems in very good heart, winning at Doncaster (from Kadaka) and then third to Kayf Tara in Irish St Leger. Hit the front too soon on latter occasion and best when held up.

Eternity: Hails from a stable in magnificent form. Decisive winner over 1m 3f at Kempton last time but rises steeply in class here. Trip probably ideal.

Bristol Channel: Should be fresher than most after a light campaign and battled on well to repel Lady In Waiting over the course and distance (soft) last time. Open to improvement.

Bryony Brind: Listed winner in France before found wanting behind Delilah at Doncaster (1m 6f) when possibly a non stayer. Stable firing on all cylinders.

Milling: Winner of a modest handicap at Hamilton in the summer but faded when eighth of 12 in a French listed event last time. Little chance on that form.

Mondschein: Mud-loving winner of a Sandown maiden in the spring, lightly raced since and disappointed last time when sixth in France under suitable ground conditions.

Silver Rhapsody: Big, scopey filly from a top stable. Gutsy short-head winner of a Newmarket maiden before finishing third to stable-mate Catchascatchcan in Lancashire Oaks at Haydock in July. Off since but sure to go well.

Conclusion: SILVER RHAPSODY'S Lancashire Oaks third to Catchascatchcan has worked out well and, despite a lay-off, she will take some beating.