Racing: Hyperion's TV Tips

ROYAL ASCOT

2.00: MUR TAASHA, always held in high regard by her stable, proved disappointing in her first two outings this season. At Doncaster two weeks ago, however, she finally put her true ability on display, quickening to take up the lead a furlong out and winning with plenty in hand. Her trainer is in fine form just now, but so is Paul Cole and his Footsteps looks a danger despite being 7lb out of the handicap. It looks significant that Richard Quinn has chosen to ride this filly rather than stablemate Whatcombe.

2.30: The crux here is whether PETULA can concede more than a stone to the likes of Welsh Mist and Istibshar. The latter won a six-furlong maiden race at Epsom, holding on by a short-head from Red Rita. But the runner-up may well have run below her best form that day, and Pat Eddery's mount appears to be the biggest danger. She won a competitive handicap over this distance at Thirsk and shows her best form on a sound surface. Neither, however, may be good enough to cope with the topweight. Michael Bell's grey filly impressed when caught only close home by the useful Mary Hinge at Haydock on her latest outing.

3.00: Following the news that Bobbie Dee is unlikely to run, this contest looks at the mercy of WAINWRIGHT. John Gosden's five-year-old must concede weight all round but has earned his rating, notably with an admirable victory in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar three weeks ago.

3.35: Run Softly appears to be well in here. In a handicap, his rivals would be receiving more weight than they do this afternoon. Barry Hills's runner short-headed Cedez Le Passage at Doncaster last month, and Clive Brittain's decent colt showed that to be very useful form when finishing fourth to Foyer in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. Brittain takes on the likely favourite with RUDAGI, who won by four lengths at Epsom and looks certain to progress.