VIVE LA FRANCE!

ROI DE FRANCE (2.40) is right at home in today’s Victoria Cup at Ascot. Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, the royal racecourse has been supported by 12 further monarchs during its rich history of racing. Step forward my selection, whose name translates to ‘King of France,’ to rule his 18 opponents over a straight seven furlongs. Trained by John and

- By The Scout (Melissa Jones)

Thady Gosden, Roi De France has built a solid profile on Kempton’s all-weather surface.

But the four-year-old did not see out Newcastle’s mile as strongly as Storm Star last time and drops in distance under Oisin Murphy.

Yet to run in a big field handicap on fast ground, two-time winner Roi De France is the right type of unexposed horse to have on your side.

At Lingfield, PUPPET MASTER (3.00) is the William Hill Derby Trial favourite. Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemate Lambourn boosted their Ballysax Stakes form at Chester and the grey can show more at 1m 3½f.