Royal Ascot 2019: Back Lady Kaya to beat the boys in the Commonwealth Cup

THE Commonwealth Cup is only four years old, but it's already proved an inspired addition to Royal Ascot.

Muhaarar, Quiet Reflection and Caravaggio feature on the roll of honour, and LADY KAYA can add her name to that top-class list.

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Sheila Lavery's filly showed smart form at two, beating the high-class Pink Dogwood by 10 lengths in a Curragh maiden before fishing second to Skitter Scatter in the Group 1 Moyglare.

She made a winning reappearance in the 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown in April, travelling strongly on the front-end throughout, a performance which set up a tilt at the 1000 Guineas itself at Newmarket.

The daughter of Dandy Man again cruised through the race and was the last of the 15-strong field to come off the bridle, but she was just outstayed to in the closing stages by Hermosa, who has since bolted up in the Irish 1000 Guineas.

She has clearly improved this season and has bundles of pace. The drop back to the stiff 6f of the Commonwealth Cup will suit her down to the ground and she receives a handy 3lb sex allowance.

The field has been depleted following the news that Calyx has picked up an injury.

The market is currently headed by Ten Sovereigns, last year's Middle Park winner, but odds of 6-4 make little appeal after his comeback fifth at Newmarket.

Jash was workmanlike when winning on his return, while Hello Youmzain's defeat of Calyx doesn't look as good now we know the runner-up was carrying a knock.

I've got a feeling the three-year-old fillies are a strong bunch this year, and I feel that Lady Kaya will absolutely relish the opportunity to bowl along over 6f.

I expect her to raise her game significantly at the Royal meeting and strike at 8-1.