Turner's Earners: Royal Ascot Day One - Fleeting Spirit to land King's Stand

However, the clock doesn't lie and Jeremy Noseda's sprinter registered a world-class speed figure when trouncing her field and if she turns up for today's King's Stand Stakes in the same form, she will be tough to beat.

Temple of doom for rivals: Fleeting Spirit romps away with Haydock prize,

Some form judges poured scorn on the scintillating Temple Stakes victory of FLEETING SPIRIT (Royal Ascot, 3.05), suggesting the filly had bullied below-par rivals.

However, the clock doesn't lie and Jeremy Noseda's sprinter registered a world-class speed figure when trouncing her field and if she turns up for today's King's Stand Stakes in the same form, she will be tough to beat.

The vibes before Haydock were strong for Fleeting Spirit, but even her handler must have been astounded that she overcame a sluggish exit from the boxes to spreadeagle a talented field.

Admittedly, she takes on the big guns today with two Aussie speedsters in opposition alongside the likes of Nunthorpe winner Kingsgate Native and the globe-trotting Benbaun.

Trend spotters will suggest a three-year-old filly will struggle in the face of such a task, but Miss Andretti took this for the fairer sex last year, while Domenica fulfiled both criteria when scorching to victory in the 2002 running.

Unfortunately, Fleeting Spirit's price is nothing to write home about and, for those looking for more favourable odds, Hoh Mike could fit the bill.

Michael Bell's sprinter found his speed blunted by dead ground at Windsor last time, but has yet to finish out of the frame in three starts at today's venue and odds in excess of 20-1 look very favourable each-way for a horse that should finish strongly.

Henrythenavigator is just one of the stars on show on a brilliant opening day as he bids to maintain his unbeaten record as a three-year-old in the St James's Palace Stakes.

Bookmakers were never going to be generous pricing up a dual Guineas winner, but his odds appear pretty miserly.

Whether that is the case at 3.50pm is open to question, but TWICE OVER (Royal Ascot, 3.45) looks very fair each-way value and may even give Henry Cecil his first win in the race since Dr Fong in 1998.

According to connections, he was below par after his Dante Stakes flop at York and I believe he is best judged on a defeat of Raven's Pass in the Craven Stakes.

He was reported to need the outing that day, yet battled on to see off his rival who reopposes after finding Henrythenavigator four lengths too strong in the English Guineas.

On a line through Raven's Pass, Twice Over has something to find with the winner, but a stiff mile looks his optimum and he represents a sporting alternative.

Backing SOM TALA (Royal Ascot, nap, 4.55) over the years has been a frustrating experience, but he is genuine and consistent in long-distance races and I'm hopeful that Frankie Dettori can make the difference to a horse who finished an honourable third 12 months ago.

Today's lay is Sergeant Sharpe (Yarmouth, 7.30).

ROBIN GOODFELLOW'S DOUBLE: Goodbye (Thirsk, 4.00) and Som Tala (Royal Ascot, nap, 4.55)

GIMCRACK'S DOUBLE: Motor Home (Thirsk, nap, 2.50) and Henrythenavigator (Royal Ascot, 3.45)

CAPTAIN HEATH'S NAP: Intense Focus (Royal Ascot, 4.20)

FORMCAST SPECIAL BET: Filligree (Yarmouth, 9.00) THE WIZARD: Colorus (Thirsk, 5.40)

WORK WHISPER: BRAE HILL (Royal Ascot, 5.30) 

BURNT FINGERS: DUTY FREE (Royal Ascot, 4.55)

The consensus amongst the bookies is that either Johnny Murtagh or Ryan Moore will emerge as the top jockey at Royal Ascot. Ladbrokes make Murtagh their 11-10 favourite with Moore at 9-4.