Stradivarius can call the tune again at Ascot in Sagaro Stakes

It will be a huge surprise if Stradivarius does not take a starring role on what is a topquality midweek card at Ascot.

The track stages a series of Royal Ascot trials, headlined by the Group Three Longines Sagaro Stakes in which Stradivarius takes the first step on the road to a potential fourth Gold Cup win at the famous fixture in June.

Now a seven-year-old, Stradivarius boasts a rating of 125 which puts him 10lb or more ahead of each of his rivals here - and he is the undisputed king over two and a half miles at this track. However, following his demolition of last year's Gold Cup field to bring up the hattrick, Stradivarius had to find his way out of trouble to win a fourth Goodwood Cup, while he was found out for pace in both an Arc trial and a subsequent crack at Parislongchamp's main event.

It is best to put a line through his final disappointing run on Champions Day, when testing ground combined with the after-effects of his French run saw him beaten a long way out, and this looks a perfect launchpad for Stradivarius' campaign.

Supremacy is likely to be a similarly hot favourite in the

Qipco British Champions Series Horseracinghof.com Pavilion Stakes and he should also make his class tell.

Clive Cox has enjoyed plenty of success with three-yearold sprinters in recent seasons, with the likes of Harry Angel andlastyear'scommonwealth Cup victor Golden Horde. That

Royal Ascot event is the prime target for Supremacy, who advertised his claims in a fine juvenile campaign, winning the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood before adding the Group One Middle Park to his tally on his final two-year-old start.

His top-level success means he must shoulder a penalty here but Supremacy is far superior on the ratings and should still be more than good enough, even if not fully wound up.

Haqeeqy impressed with his Lincoln victory and can prove up to at least Listed level as he tackles the Charlie Waller Trust Paradise Stakes.

This lightly-raced four-yearold picked up in the manner of a quality performer when asked at Doncaster, shrugging off a less than clear passage to win with a fair bit seemingly in hand. His revised mark of 107 reflects his potential - and while he has a bit to find with a few of these rivals, he is a horse on an upward curve.