BY THE TEDDINGTON TIPSTER (Nick Luck)

The weather is trying its hardest to put a spanner in the works, but Royal Ascot is not having any of it and continues to delight. Yesterday saw Stradivarius become only the third horse in history to win three Gold Cup and he didn't just win - he streaked clear under a motionless Dettori to despatch his inferiors with consummate ease. If he is one of the sport's established superstars, I think we saw two top-notchers of the future in Chesham winner Battleground (who also netted this column another winning charity bet) and Khaloosy, who gave the irresistible Jim Crowley a sixth winner of the meeting (Ryan Moore holds the all-time record with nine).

So, with a respectful nod to the changeable forecast, here goes for Day 4:

1.15 Holyrood House Handicap

A new race over five furlongs. Art Power is the obvious one here after a sparkling three year old debut at Newcastle, but I like Keep Busy each way at a bigger price. She's tough as nails, won't mind the ground and ran a lovely race at Sandown last weekend.

1.50 Albany Stakes

Trainer William Haggas hasn't had much luck here so far this week, but that might be about to change with Golden Melody, ridden by the in-form James Doyle. She strode clear of a field full of warm reputations at Haycock on her first career start and can take a big step forward.

2.25 Norfolk Stakes

Not an original pick, but Eye of Heaven is my idea of the easiest two year old winner of the week. It was impossible not to be impressed with his stride and power at Newmarket, when he had Wednesday's winner Tactical comfortably held in third. Frankie Dettori rides again and this pair can prove too streetwise for their rivals.

3.00 Hardwicke Stakes

Trainer Roger Varian is having quite an extraordinary week, doubling his all-time Royal Ascot tally in the space of two days with four winners. He can strike here with one of his stable stars, Defoe, who won this last year. He hasn't been in the best of form since, but should be sharper for his recent reappearance run and I'm hopeful of a revival here.

3.35 Commonwealth Cup

With slight reservations about any more rain, I like the American-trained filly Kimari. She had to contend with soft ground here last year, but ran really well to finish second in a warm edition of the Queen Mary. She has continued to thrive in the USA since and has had a lovely preparation for this race.

4.10 Queen's Vase

I could give anything a shout, but I've come down with no confidence on Nobel Prize - he's a brother to two top-notchers who showed their best form at Ascot, Highland Reel and Idaho, and shaped like a really stout stayer as a two year old.

4.40 Duke of Edinburgh Stakes

West End Charmer would have been a confident pick had the rain stayed away. I'll still be backing him, but will be saving on Durston, for whom rain will be no problem, and whose stable's horses are just starting to run into a bit of form.

Today's full Royal Ascot Race Card