I’M still trying to find my punting mojo but there are three days to go, so plenty of time to recoup losses. Today is Ladies’ Day but, more importantly, it sees one of my favourite races of the year in the Ascot Gold Cup in which SIMENON, a proven stayer, looks good value to win the 2m 4f marathon slogfest…

NORFOLK STAKES: For many, King of Rooks is the banker of the week. On paper, his five-length victory over subsequent Coventry Stakes winner Buratino looks outstanding form. But he is odds-on and so I won’t be playing at that price. LOG OUT ISLAND offers a bit more value. He was impressive on his only run over the course and distance and is now in the Godolphin colours. The Richard Hannon pair are drawn next to each other and tactics could play a big part. Jazz Legend appeals as a possible each-way play at around 16/1.

Selection: LOG OUT ISLAND

TERCENTENARY STAKES: There is little between Peacock, Mustadeem, Nafaqa and Disegno on the book although the Queen’s Peacock has been heavily backed. Bocca Bacciata is interesting but there was so much to like about TIME TEST’S victory at Newbury when he was ridden like the best horse in the race and showed a good turn of foot.

Selection: TIME TEST

RIBBLESDALE STAKES:  Very difficult to oppose Pleascach but, again, I’ve no interest in backing an odds-on shot. PAMONA is an interesting alternative. She was a bit unlucky last time at Newbury and the 1m 4f should be up her street.

Selection: PAMONA

ASCOT GOLD CUP: Forgotten Rules needs rain or he needs Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels to overdo the watering on Wednesday night if he is to take his chance. There are stamina doubts about so many of the principals, including Mizzou, Vent de Force and Kingfisher. But there are no such concerns about SIMENON. He has been second and fifth in this race and I don’t think this year’s renewal is as strong as usual, so it could be his turn. He knows his way around Ascot having won the Ascot Stakes and Queen Alexandra.

Selection: SIMENON

BRITANNIA STAKES: A nightmare of a race to assess with so many unexposed three-year-olds but MUTARAKEZ has really caught the eye in his two wins. The form looks solid and he has hinted at much more to come.

Selection: MUTARAKEZ

KING GEORGE V Stakes: If Time Test does the business earlier in the day then DISSOLUTION will be strongly fancied here. He was second to Time Test at Newbury, staying on well to suggest this longer trip would suit him. There’s a host of dangers and upwardly mobile three-year-olds including Marma’s Boy, King Bolete and Scottish but the Ryan Moore factor could be crucial yet again.

Selection: DISSOLUTION