Stan Hey: 6-5 Against

Canford Cliffs has the edge in Ascot overture

Another special week for punters beckons with two events conjoining in magical fashion – Royal Ascot starts on Tuesday with a spectacular overture of three Group One races, and then on Thursday the racing segues into the US Open Championship, for three nights, before leaving the golf to its climax.

Canford Cliffs and Goldikova renew rivalry in the first race, the Queen Anne Stakes. Richard Hannon's colt has already bagged the Group One Lockinge Stakes this season and his extra maturity swings it – £20 win, 5-4 William Hill. In the King's Stand overseas victors have dominated but David Elsworth's Swiss Diva can make the frame (£5 each-way, 20-1 Victor Chandler).

Frankel, the 2,000 Guineas winner, is a banker in the St James's Palace Stakes; Tazahum, who has form against Guineas' second Dubawi Gold, may take a place (£5 each-way at 33-1, Paddy Power).

Wednesday's feature, the Prince of Wales's Stakes, goes to So You Think (£20 win, 1-2 Paddy Power) while Mont Agel is the £10 each-way bet in the Hunt Cup, at 16-1. Duncan can nab the Gold Cup (£10 win, 10-1 Totesport), while Sea Moon may recoup ante-post Derby losses in Friday's King Edward VII Stakes.

We are already on Sergio Garcia for the US Open but he took 11 at one hole in the current St Jude Classic, so his fragile recovery may be over. Matt Kuchar (below) is the main bet (£10 each-way, 28-1 Betfred).