THERE are several fiercely competitive handicaps on Wednesday’s Ascot card, with the Kensington Palace Stakes (5.35pm), a mile-long 25 runner contest for fillies and mares, being one.

I’m throwing two darts at this, with the strongest fancy being ALOBAYYAH for the William Haggas stable, who are in rude health of late.

She was a massive eye-catcher last time out over course and distance , when eating up the ground from a unpromising position.

She was given a pound rise in the handicap for that effort, leaving her on a mark of 90, which she should be more than capable of taking advantage of.

As mentioned, the Haggas stable is in great form currently and with a handy draw in 16, jockey Tom Marquand should have the luxury of putting her where he wants.

I think she will take all the beating and is worth backing in the World Pool Win market.

The fly in the ointment could be MISS NIGHTFALL, who was extremely well backed for the Sandringham Stakes at last year’s Royal meeting.

She could only manage sixth that day but was close up and has tumbled down back to that mark of 89 for this assignment.

Her record of one win in 14 doesn’t make the most appeal, but she’ll love the fast ground and her two runs this season, whilst below par on the face of it, should have put her spot on for this.

Trainer James Fanshawe is going well also, running at a 25% strike rate in the last few weeks, and she can outrun her likely odds to reward us in the World Pool Win and Place markets.

POINTERS                                                                                        WEDNESDAY

Alobayyah (Win)                                                                        5.35pm                         Ascot
Miss Nightfall (Win and Place)                                                 5.35pm                         Ascot