Showers Could Dampen Opening Day at Royal Ascot

Day 1 of Royal Ascot could begin on a mixture of good and good to firm ground, according to clerk of the course Chris Stickels, although conditions may ease if thundery showers hit the course.

Speaking June 14, Stickels reported himself pleased with underfoot conditions ahead of the start of the five-day fixture June 16.

"We're happy with the preparations, and we're good on the straight course and good, good to soft in places on the round course. It's a warm, sultry forecast for the week ahead, but there's a risk of thundery showers on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday," he said. "If we don't get any thundery showers, I anticipate the going being a mixture of good and good to firm, but if they do arrive, it will be a bit (softer)."

The royal meeting is to be staged behind closed doors in keeping with the restrictions British racing must abide by since its resumption amid COVID-19, and Stickels added: "It's much the same as other tracks regarding the work we've put in for the protocols for racing behind closed doors.

"We've got one-way systems in place, temperature testing for everyone on arrival, and reduced numbers on site."

Declarations were revealed for the second day of the meeting, with last year's Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) winner Japan one of seven entered for the featured Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1).

Japan, who also landed the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (G1) last year, has not raced since finishing fourth behind Waldgeist in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) at ParisLongchamp in October.

Aidan O'Brien, who has won the contest three times and most recently with Highland Reel in 2017, has opted not to run Magical or recent Lanwades Stud Stakes (G2) winner Magic Wand.

Other leading contenders include dual top-level victor and last year's Wolferton Stakes winner Addeybb, 2017 St James's Palace (G1) scorer Barney Roy, and progressive two-time group 2 winner Headman.

Frankie Dettori won the race last year aboard Crystal Ocean and partners the John Gosden-trained Mehdaayih, with the Clarehaven trainer also running Lord North, who will be ridden by James Doyle.

The field is completed by the Andrew Balding-trained Bangkok, who ran three times over the winter, including a third in the Winter Derby in February.

O'Brien has declared recent Derrinstown Derby Trial (G3) runner-up Russian Emperor (jockey Ryan Moore) and QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas (G1) eighth New World Tapestry (Adam Kirby) in the Hampton Court Stakes (G3).

The eight-runner group 3 contest also includes Unibet Classic Trial (G3) winner Berlin Tango (Oisin Murphy), Kenzai Warrior (Jason Watson), First Receiver (Frankie Dettori), and Juan Elcano (Andrea Atzeni).

From Tuesday to June 19, television coverage of Royal Ascot will be available in the U.S. on NBCSN from 8:30 a.m. ET to 12 p.m. The final day's coverage on June 20 will move to NBC from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.