HANDFUL

PLENTY of shrewd students of the game believe Aidan O’brien’s Japan is the biggest banker of this year’s Royal Ascot meeting, however I’m not one of them.

That’s to say, I’m neither a shrewd student of the game nor do I think Japan will win.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Japan hacks up but then again I wouldn’t be surprised if he loses.

Not much surprises me these days although I do lie awake in bed wondering if I’ve ever had milk from the same cow twice.

Ballydoyle maestro O’brien recently bagged two Classics inside a week so we know his lone entry will be fit and raring to go.

Victories in Royal Ascot’s King Edward VII Stakes and triumphs in the Grand Prix de Paris and International Stakes mean Japan brings the best form as well as having the most prolific trainer.

But there are three problems I have with backing Japan.

Firstly, there’s the unappealing price at a shade of odds-on. Secondly, the trip is a tad shorter than he’s been running.

Thirdly, and most worrying for favourite backers, is the lengthy lay-off. Japan hasn’t raced for eight months and has yet to win first time out.

Roger Charlton’s four-year-old picked up a win at Newbury along with a couple of Group Two victories in France last season. If you forgive his last run in the Irish Champion, where he missed the break, he has to hold a decent chance.

Barney Roy probably needs a longer trip and, besides, horses aged six or older have a poor record in this race — also a negative for Addeybb. I’m not sure Lord North is quite good enough in this company although he’s another likely to improve from last season.

Frankie Dettori is an eye-catching booking for the filly Mehdaayih and she is one who can outrun her price.

- Disgruntled Ascot racegoer