The five-day Royal Ascot meeting, racing’s most glamorous event, kicks off on Tuesday.

Over 250,000 spectators are expected to attend the Berkshire track throughout the week, with warm and dry weather in the forecast.

The first day features three top-level Group One races, including the Queen Anne Stakes, where French challengers Facteur Cheval and Big Rock are among the contenders.

Queen Anne Stakes: Horse-by-Horse Guide

Audience – Finished his three-year-old season with a standout handicap win and adapted well to Group level last year, securing a victory at Newmarket in the summer and maintaining his form until a subdued final race. He returned strongly by winning the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes last month with a career-best performance. He’ll likely attempt a front-running strategy again but might be vulnerable in the final stages.

Big Rock – Extremely consistent last season with five wins, including a commanding all-the-way victory on soft ground in the QEII over this course and distance in October. An early stumble affected his Lockinge comeback, but he could bounce back here if the ground isn’t too firm.

Brave Emperor – His ratings suggest he belongs at this level, but his Group-race wins have been abroad, and he finished near the back in the Hampton Court Stakes at this meeting last year. Prefers softer ground and a pressing pace, which might not suit Ascot’s straight track.

Cairo – Recently moved to Alice Haynes from Aidan O’Brien, Cairo has struggled at Group 1 level. He faces a tough challenge to be competitive here.

Charyn – A strong contender with improved performances at Doncaster, Sandown, and Newbury this season. Prefers softer ground but is in top form and could place, having finished a solid second to Audience in the Lockinge.

Docklands – His course record of 1132 is impressive, but he has been racing just below top-class level and was narrowly beaten in a Listed race in France last month. Needs others to underperform to make an impact.

Dolayli – A fit and consistent French challenger who was only a length behind in his first Group 1 race at Longchamp. He continues to improve and could surprise, especially if there’s plenty of rain.

Facteur Cheval – Another French contender who prefers softer ground. Has a strong record at a mile and nine furlongs, including a gutsy Group 1 win at Meydan. He could reverse his autumn placings with Big Rock, the QEII winner.

Flight Plan – After weakening to seventh in last year’s Jersey Stakes, he ended 2023 with a career-best Group 2 win in Ireland. Finished last in the Lockinge on his seasonal debut, raising questions about his current form.

Hi Royal – Almost caused an upset when second in last year’s 2000 Guineas but has struggled to meet that promise since, even after wind surgery. Appears over-rated currently.

Maljoom – Seemed an unlucky fourth in the 2022 St James’s Palace, but has struggled with fitness and has only raced once since, with a low-key return last month. Needs significant improvement but remains a potential major player if everything falls into place.

Poker Face – Achieved wins at Listed, Group 3, and Group 2 levels last season but was well-beaten in his Group 1 debut in the Lockinge. Likely to set the pace but may struggle late in the race.

Royal Scotsman – Made a strong comeback with a front-running win in Group 3 at Epsom on Derby day. Repeating that strategy here will be challenging due to strong competition for the lead, but he shouldn’t be written off.

Witch Hunter – A reliable horse who excels at overtaking tiring rivals, as demonstrated by his third-place finish behind Audience in the Lockinge at Newbury last month. Similar performance is likely his best hope here.