Falcon has big chance but Weld worried by soft ground

6.10 Royal Ascot Queen Alexandra Stakes 2m5½f ITV4/Sky

HORSERACING’S premier Flat meeting ends with a race run over a distance more suitable to the Cheltenham Festival, in conditions more in keeping with the Welsh National.

The Queen Alexandra, Britain’s longest Flat race, has attracted a maximum field of 20 runners, most of whom can be given a winning chance.

Chester Cup winner Falcon Eight, whose rider Frankie Dettori confessed he received one of his most exhilarating victories on the Dermot Weldtrained stayer, will be strongly fancied to back up his recent victory.

Further improvement is likely if he stays the 2m5½f trip, although his Prix du

Cadran fourth over a furlong and a half shorter indicated it might be a stretch.

Willie Mullins, who has won this race twice, sends out 2018 Ascot Stakes third Stratum, who has won five of 19 starts on the Flat and has been lightly raced in recent years.

His stamina won’t be running out in the final furlong and his owner, Tony Bloom, is known to love a punt. Watch the market for Stratum and Bloom’s other runner, Withhold.

Ability to stay the distance is a big concern for Barbados, who will still be fancied in the market despite a career record of one win from 16 starts, and Morando, whose form has come over shorter trips.

Similar worries apply to Mildenberger, although he shapes as if he will get home.

Last year’s winner Who Dares Wins and runner-up The Grand Visir are back for more. However, they benefited from a below-par race last summer (85-rated Mukha Magic finished third) and may struggle against superior rivals.