Royal Ascot

Our trends analysis race for Friday is a Group 2 for colts and geldings and has been won in the past by some very good horses such as Nathaniel, Japan and Pyledriver.

17:35 King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) (1 mile 4 furlongs)

Originally known as the Ascot Derby, this race was renamed in 1926 in memory of Edward VII and is usually highly competitive.

Last year Ryan Moore had to use every ounce of his ability to keep 11/10 favourite Changingoftheguard a short head clear of the brave challenge of 10/1 shot Grand Alliance.

Our trends selection on Wednesday in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes saw Prosperous Voyage finish third, but to show the power of trends the other two on our shortlist won and finished fourth.

Planet Sport Bet: Money Back if 2nd to SP Favourite in all Royal Ascot Races

The trends left us with the following three horses, but it's worth noting that even these three runners failed to place on their last outing: Arrest, Continuous and Artistic Star.

Suggested bet: Arrest in the 17:35 at Royal Ascot

Arrest was heavily fancied for the Derby but never ran his race after sweating up and losing a shoe.

Frankie Dettori retains the ride and if the horse can stay calm in the preliminaries, he should go close, and after Thursday's thrilling Gold Cup success, it would be no surprise to see the popular Italian add to his tally of Royal Ascot winners.

Continuous was third in the Dante before finishing down the field in the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby).

Ballydoyle must have multiple horses to choose for this race, so some confidence must be placed behind him on that basis alone.

Artistic Star finished seventh in the Derby and was impressive considering it was only his third run and his first above Class 2.

He was staying on well at the finish, which suggests he can be competitive at this level. Artistic Star could potentially be a St. Leger horse later in the season.

The favourite King of Steel on official ratings should win this race but falls down on the trends on needing two runs or more this season.

I do think he is the most likely winner; however, using the trends I am going with Arrest in the hope that he settles better than he did at Epsom.

Suggested bet: Arrest in the 17:35 at Royal Ascot

King Edward VII Stakes: Frankie Dettori eyes more Royal Ascot glory on Arrest