5:35 Royal Ascot: Pay Freeze to rake in the money for punters

The Windsor Castle Stakes has witnessed some big-priced winners in recent years, but those towards the head of the Royal Ascot betting should be favoured this year and Pay Freeze can send punters up in profit with victory at 11/2.

Mick Channon has triumphed in the race twice since 1999 and there is a lot to like about his runner, especially the way he quickened clear on his latest start at York, albeit against seemingly ordinary opposition.

The one unknown is that this represents his first attempt over 5f, but the latest win suggests he is no slouch in the speed department, while he was caught virtually on the line on debut which suggests that this trip may actually suit more.

Some of the key Windsor Castle trends that Pay Freeze adheres to are that ten of the last 12 winners had only raced a maximum of twice and that the same number had already tasted victory.

Lyric Ace is almost certain to be sent off favourite after back-to-back victories, with the latest being over Chilworth Icon at Kempton, who has since won the Woodcote Stakes on Derby day at Epsom.

However, trainer Richard Hannon has never won the race despite his impressive record with two-year-olds and this is a concern.

Meanwhile, favourites have only claimed victory in two of the last ten years.

Smoothtalkinrascal therefore seems the other horse that can battle out the finish with Pay Freeze, having finished second in a hot maiden on debut and then winning comfortably next time.

He looks a solid each-way proposition at 9/1.

At bigger prices, Cosmic Chatter looks a true 5f specialist and is still unbeaten after a victory on debut when jockey Graham Gibbons did not even have to reach for his whip.

Cosmic Chatter is 14/1 in the Royal Ascot odds.