DAY 3 THURSDAY

2.30 Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) 3.05 Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) 3.40 Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2) 4.20 Gold Cup (Group 1) 5.00 Britannia Handicap (0-105) 5.35 King George V Handicap (0-105)

Race of the day The Gold Cup rarely disappoints. Aidan O’brien won it four years on the trot (2006 – 2009) with the magnificent Yeats and has lifted the prize three more times since. Last year’s winner, Order Of St George, has the requisite blend of tactical speed and stamina and will be a warm order to retain his crown. Big Orange and Simple Verse should ensure he does not have things all his own way.

One to watch This race always attracts the speediest juveniles and this year is no exception. Havana Grey (2.30) set some sparkling fractions when winning at Ayr and again when stepping up to Listed company at Sandown and looks well up to this task. He is under the care of the astute Karl Burke, who produced Quiet Reflection to win the Commonwealth Cup last year.

Best outsider Naughty Or Nice (3.40) has won both her races in the style of a smart filly and there is undoubtedly more to come from this daughter of Fastnet Rock. This will clearly be her biggest test but 12-1 is a fair reward to discover if she can cope.