Ascot's finale heads a fine day's racing, with Ayr and Newmarket forming a splendid supporting act. Two sprints top the bill at Ascot, where heavy showers are expected.

Formerly a Group 2 when called the Cork and Orrery Stakes, the Golden Jubilee took over as a Group 1 in 2002, and since then has grown to become one of the top inter national sprints in the world.

Aussie star Takeover Target, beaten a head in this last year having finished fourth in the King's Stand Stakes, improved on the first leg when second to Equiano on Tuesday and, as he is said to be better over six furlongs, he might well get his head in front today.

The dangers are many, but perhaps the most prominent are Marchand d'Or, Sakhee's Secret, Assertive and US Ranger.

Marchand d'Or is high class and has proved it many times. He gave ample proof last time out when he beat Equiano over five furlongs in a Group 2 at Chantilly a few weeks ago. He is a formidable contender but if there is a flaw in his make-up, it may be that he has never won outside France.

There is a slight doubt about the participation of Sakhee's Secret if the forecast rains come and soften the ground. In that event, he will not run but, as the weather is even less predictable than this year's Royal Ascot handicaps, it could be he will be in the field. If so, his blinding speed will ensure he is involved at the finish.

Assertive has always looked a possible champion and his victory in a Group 2 at York indicated he may be near to fulfilling that belief. There are many others you could consider but US Ranger and Takeover Target (3.45) are the two who make most appeal. It is the Aussie for me this time.

The second big dash is the Wokingham Handicap, which looks as tricky to unravel as ever. Although three favourites have won in the last 10 years, in today's race it is difficult to predict who will be the favourite.

Scotland is represented by Linda Perratt's Big Timer, who ran a superb second to Major Cadeaux in a Group 3 at Haydock and may well be in the first four.

Aidan O'Brien's Abraham Lincoln, fourth behind Equitano in the King's Stand, has serious claims, while choosing between the Dandy Nicholls quartet, Indian Trail, Northern Fling, Something and Machinist is hard enough in itself.

One more to take into consideration is Lipocco (4.25), beaten a neck by Balthazaar's Gift in a Listed race at Windsor and seems to have been laid out for this race.

Macarthur (3.05) could keep the O'Brien flag flying in the Hardwicke Stakes, although Sir Michael Stoute's Spanish Moon is a formidable opponent, while Seaway (2.30) has a good chance in the Chesham Stakes.

Befortyfour bids to win his fifth race in succession in Newmarket's Intercasino.co Handicap, as long as the ground stays good to firm, but Royal Intruder (4.00) is the one.