RACING/Ascot: Big Bad Bob can prove too good for his rivals in today's King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

John Dunlop's colt landed the last four of his six starts as a two-year-old in the style of a very progressive youngster, and he was made odds-on to continue his winning ways on his reappearance in the Dee Stakes at Chester.

But things did not quite go according to plan. Big Bad Bob raced keenly in the early stages and soon led, but could not match Kris Kin's finishing speed.

As subsequent events have shown, Big Bad Bob had plenty on his plate with Kris Kin going on to record a famous victory in the Derby.

The Dee Stakes form also received a boost when third home Private Charter finished an excellent second in the Italian Derby. Private Charter reopposes today, but there is no reason why he should turn the tables on the selection.

Big Bad Bob improved with each run last year and can be expected to come on for his Chester outing. And, well suited by the fast conditions, he will take all the beating.

The afternoon's feature event, the Group One Coronation Stakes, can go to the Kieren Fallon-ridden Russian Rhythm.

Michael Stoute's well-built filly defied negative vibes to take the Sagitta 1,000 Guineas in good style on her reappearance.

Her trainer felt that she had not quite come to herself in time for the Newmarket Classic, so plenty of improvement can be expected from the chestnut daughter of Kingmambo.

Mick Channon was on the mark with Zafeen in the St James's Palace Stakes on Tuesday and the trainer can score again with Tolzey in the Albany Stakes.

Tolzey finished second to subsequent Queen Mary Stakes winner Attraction at Beverley last time. She will encounter nothing of that calibre in this six-furlong Listed contest.

Stoute and Fallon can complete a double with Green Line in the Buckingham Palace Stakes. The four-year-old gelding showed his well-being with a cosy victory at Chester on his return last month.

In Time's Eye merits an interest in the Wolferton Rated Stakes. Dermot Weld's charge finished a length second to dual Derby winner High Chaparral at Leopardstown last year and he showed he is as good as ever when fourth behind Black Sam Bellamy in the Tattersalls Gold Cup on his reappearance.

With blinkers to help him concentrate, In Time's Eye should go close in the Listed event.