Royal Ascot Thursday Tips – Dan James Racing

Charles Darwin arrives with a big reputation and hasn’t put a foot wrong in two starts. He impressed at Navan, then looked a serious Royal Ascot contender when bolting up in a listed company at Naas last time, travelling strongly and quickening right away.

The yard has described him as an out-and-out five-furlong horse, and this test looks ideal. Aidan O’Brien has a strong record in Norfolk, and with Ryan Moore booked, everything points to a huge run. Hard to fault – sets the standard and looks the one to beat.

Illinois steps up to the marathon trip for the first time but brings all the right credentials for a Gold Cup contender. A high-class three-year-old last season, he was second in the St Leger and shaped like a horse crying out for further. He returned with a smooth win at Chester, and everything about his profile suggests this distance will bring improvement.

Aidan O’Brien has a superb record in the Gold Cup, and Illinois looks the type to continue that dominance. He travels well, stays strongly, and has the class to go with it. Stamina to prove, but he’s bred for it – and looks ready to step into the spotlight.

Jackknife is quietly progressive and could go under the radar here. He shaped nicely when third in a listed race at Sandown last time, keeping on well without ever threatening the winner, and looked like he’d improve again for a step up in trip.

Roger Varian’s team have sounded positive about his chances this week, and he looks the type to relish a strong pace over 1m2f. With just three runs to his name, there’s a lot more to come, and he could take a big step forward at a nice price. Unexposed, well-handled, and quietly fancied, he is an each-way value in an open race.