You would not expect to see Willie Mullins as the trainer to follow on the opening day of Royal Ascot but he has two exceptional chances across the day that make him the man to watch.
His first and arguably best chance of the day comes in the Ascot Stakes with last years second Bring On The Night being seen for the first time since running in this race. Off only 4lbs higher he looks a threat.
Mullins other runners come in the final event of the afternoon with Grade One winning hurdler Vauban looking to show his mark of 101 is lenient and also in the race Absurde could turn out to be very good.
Mullins heads into the 2023 Royal Ascot festival running at a 53% strike rate for the last two weeks, managing to land eight winners from his last 15 rides.