St James’s Palace Stakes racing tip: Chaldean can carry Frankie Dettori to more Royal Ascot glory

16:20 St James's Palace Stakes (Group1) (1 mile)

Promoted to Group 1 status in 1988, this is usually a high-quality race, and a year ago Coroebus confirmed his 2,000 Guineas success, although backers of the odds-on favourite were made to sweat as 28/1 shot Lusail came within a head of creating an upset.

The bookies have this year's edition down as a two-horse race between two classy performers in the shape of the Andrew Balding-trained Chaldean and Aidan O'Brien's Paddington.

The latter certainly cannot be ignored after crowning three back-to-back wins with the Irish 2000 Guineas in late May, and of course any runner with Ryan Moore in the saddle is likely to be there or thereabouts.

However, our final nod goes to the early favourite, Chaldean, who rounded off a successful juvenile campaign in 2022 by completing a tidy four-timer when getting the better of the opposing Royal Scotsman in the Dewhurst Stakes.

He kicked off his new campaign by unceremoniously parting company with jockey Frankie Dettori at the start of the Greenham Stakes in April, but bounced back two weeks later to land the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in dominant style.

Dettori's farewell tour has seen him being selective with his bookings, but 13 wins from just 46 rides suggests the popular Italian is in the mood to kick off his last Royal meeting with another high-profile win.

Beyond the two market leaders there are plenty of each-way options, especially if you can find a bookmaker offering an extra place in this nine-runner event.

Royal Scotsman has obvious credentials after finishing third behind Chaldean in the Newmarket Classic, but failed to deliver when favourite for the Irish edition 24 days ago.

Mostabshir, who defied a penalty to land a stylish win under William Buick at York, and Jim Crowley could well get a similar response from a horse that has notably been fast-tracked to Group 1 level.