Time for a Berkshire Sundance in the Ascot finale

ROYAL Ascot 2026 comes to a close with the longest race of the week, the Queen Alexandra Stakes (6.10pm), run over two-miles-five-and-a-half furlongs.

It goes without saying that you need a stamina laden contender to have a chance in this so it’s perhaps not surprising that this race has been dominated by jumps trainers in recent years.

None more so than Willie Mullins, who has won three of the last five renewals and saddles the favourite, Le Destrier.

Having been a close third to none other than Gold Cup hero Scandinavia on his last start at Leopardstown, he’s clearly worthy of his place at the head of the market.

However, I’d rather take a swing at one at more of a price that has the potential to have us dancing to the hatches to collect before we head home, and BERKSHIRE SUNDANCE could be the one to do that.

Andrew Balding’s six-year-old has won four times over two miles and didn’t look to be stopping when finishing sixth in the Chester Cup over two-miles-two-furlongs last time out.

He looks a stout stayer and this step up in trip could unlock a bit more improvement from a horse that has won seven of his 17 career starts.

Play him in the World Pool Win and Place markets for the chance of a nice payout.

In the earlier Golden Gates Stakes (5.35pm), SPYCE is an interesting Win and Place proposition.

He didn’t finish that far behind the first two, Lost Boys and Sahara King, in the London Gold Cup at Newbury last month, but is over three times the price of the pair in the market.

Last season, Spyce was thought good enough to contest Group company after winning his maiden at the second attempt, and he wasn’t disgraced, finishing fourth and fifth in two Group Three contests.

With Alan King’s horses in fine form, including with a winner at Ascot on Tuesday, he looks set for a big run.

PRINCLING is a horse that has been on my radar for a while and is another I’ll be supporting Win and Place with World Pool.

He ran a decent race in the competitive Silver Bowl handicap over a mile at Carlisle when last seen, getting outpaced before sticking on for fourth.

This step up in trip to 10 furlongs looks sure to suit him and he can play a hand in the finish.