There are some fascinating battles to look forward to in 2022 at the Berkshire racecourse. Here is a look at the best of those clashes.

King’s Stand Stakes: Golden Pal v Nature Strip

The King’s Stand Stakes sees the fastest sprinters in the world meet over the 5f distance at Ascot. It is truly an international event, as reflected in the horse racing betting online, as Golden Pal, from the USA, is the 9/4 favourite, while not far behind is Australia’s Nature Strip at 4/1.

It is going to be fascinating to see the two champions meet at Ascot. Both have had a lot of success in their respective countries. A meeting in a neutral country is the fairest way of seeing which of these two speedsters is the fastest turf horse in the world.

St James’s Palace Stakes: Coroebus v Native Trail

Stablemates Coroebus and Native Trail filled the front two places in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket earlier this season. There was less than a length separating them as they crossed the finish line at Flat racing’s HQ.

The pair could square off again in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Both horses look to be ahead of their generation over 1m. It would be very hard to separate them in round two. The bookmakers make Coroebus the odds-on favourite, and if he can impress again, connections may start thinking about a clash with champion miler Baaeed later this year.

Ascot Gold Cup: Trueshan v Stradivarius

Unfortunately, we were denied the chance of seeing Trueshan take on Stradivarius in the 2021 Ascot Gold Cup. The former was pulled out of the race due to unsuitable ground conditions. Those two stayers have both been in great form at the start of the season.

Trueshan has had a lot of success in this division over the last couple of years. However, he is a horse who relies on some rain. Connections of the horse will be hoping the ground is not on the quick side come the Friday of Royal Ascot week.

Stradivarius is bidding to make history this year at the royal meeting, as victory in the Ascot Gold Cup will help him match the record of four wins which was set by Yeats. He may have to produce a career-best to get the better of Trueshan, should they both feature.

Coronation Stakes: Inspiral v Cachet

Inspiral missed out on the opportunity to appear in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket due to a setback. She is set to make her return to action in the Coronation Stakes, where she will take on Cachet, the filly who won the British Classic.

Cachet recently finished second in the French Guineas, so she has proved she is a very good filly. Her biggest test so far may come against Inspiral. This could be a battle we see throughout the season in this division.

Royal Ascot 2022 begins on June 14 and runs through to June 18. Hopefully, all four of the above clashes live up to their billing.