17:35 Highland Colori can be king of the Palace on day four

When Highland Colori goes to post for the Buckingham Palace Stakes, the final race on day four of Royal Ascot, he’ll do so aiming to become only the third winner in the renewal’s 11-year history to carry over 9st.

But given the five-year-old’s pedigree over seven furlongs, not to mention other form lines in his favour, it’s possible to ignore that aforementioned caveat.

After all, the 14/1 shot enters this upcoming contest following a smart victory over the same trip at Newmarket last month, a welcome return to form ahead of his Royal Ascot engagement.

And he could become the tenth winner in 12 years to emerge victorious at double-figure odds in a race considered to be a showcase for those horses who perhaps haven’t hit the same heights as their peers.

That’s not to denigrate the charges that will battle it out in this open contest.

Andrew Balding’s operator may have come up short when finishing three-and-a-quarter lengths behind Jack Dexter in last year’s Qipco Future Stars race at Ascot.

But his conqueror’s progression since, including a creditable fourth in the King’s Stand Stakes, suggests Highland Colori was amongst good company.

One of his Buckingham Palace adversaries, Bertiewhittle, finished one place ahead in that contest in 2012, and saddler David Barron will be hoping for another good run following a course and distance second in the recent Victoria Cup.

Another entrant who captures the imagination at tempting odds is Powerful Presence. With the talented Mickael Barzalona on his back, and a winning return at Catterick when stepping back up in class, the hat-trick seeking veteran could be a popular outside bet to make the frame at a low weight and attractive odds of 25/1.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.