RIP Van Winkle can secure his own little piece of history today by landing back-to-back victories in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

Only Brigadier Gerard and Rose Bowl have claimed the mile championship twice in its illustrious history – but Aidan O’Brien’s four-year-old looks primed to repeat last year’s success.

While 2,000 Guineas hero Makfi is a worthy rival, preference is for the year older Rip Van Winkle despite the fact he is widely perceived as something of a ten-furlong star.

Admittedly the pick of his form last term was over middle distances but victory in the Celebration Mile and this heat showed he is just as capable over the shorter trip.

The Galileo colt’s victory in the International at York provided something of an upturn after some indifferent runs earlier in the year, while he was not the only one who had no answer as stablemate Cape Blanco blasted away in front to take the Irish Champion last time.

Rip Van Winkle seemingly has the benefit of two pacemakers here so a strong gallop is virtually assured, a factor which will certainly play into his hands, and he is guaranteed to be digging deep at the finish.

Godolphin’s White Moonstone will take all the beating as she switches up to Group One company in the Meon Valley Stud Fillies’ Mile.

Unbeaten in three starts this term, the Dynaformer filly has progressed from winning an Ascot maiden to taking Group Three glory at Newmarket before landing the Group Two May Hill last time and looks a true top-class contender.

Frankel is not the most original choice in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes but it is hard to look past Henry Cecil’s juvenile, while Navajo Chief was yet another to run at the Leger meeting and he can supplement his victory there in the totesport.com Challenge Cup.

Sunny Game should feel the benefit of the cut in the ground at Haydock in the J2O White Blend Handicap, with Lord Raglan the choice in Chester’s Raymond & Kathleen Corbett Memorial Handicap.

The Coral TV Handicap is the pick of an average card at Wolverhampton and Fair Passion should thrive on the allweather following an abortive attempt on turf.

Swing Bill can prevail for David Pipe in the snappilytitled Read Paul Nicholls Exclusively On Betfair “Prelude”

Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.

Ascot round off their threeday fixture tomorrow and Laaheb can continue his rewarding autumn in the Grosvenor Casinos Cumberland Lodge Stakes. Laaheb thrives on racing prominently and if he is allowed a lead, he will be hard to catch.

The other Group race on the care is the John Guest Diadem Stakes and it could be worth taking a chance on Sayif as he makes his debut for new handler Sir Michael Stoute.