ASCOT stages some terrific racing on Saturday, where the highlight is a mouthwatering clash between Henrythenavigator and crack French miler Tamayuz in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (4.15pm).

Aidan O’Brien’s Henry is one of my favourite horses and looked a real superstar when landing the English/Irish 2,000 Guineas double and following it up with two further Group 1 victories at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood.

His defeat in France last time can be excused as he was racing on ground softer than he likes when running on late to be beaten just over two lengths by Goldikova in the Prix Du Moulin.

Given good ground or quicker there is no doubt in my mind that this horse is virtually unbeatable and I expect him to get back on the winning trail.

Punters seem to be of the same opinion and he has been heavily backed in from being initial second favourite behind Tamayuz into a rock solid 6/4 chance.

Freddie Head’s Tamayuz, rated better than stable mate Goldikova by her trainer, is obviously the main rival to Henry bagging yet another Group 1 victory for the O’Brien team.

The horse was mightily impressive when easily beating Natagora in the Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville last time out and there is likely to be little between him and Henry in the betting come the off.

In what looks like a two-horse race, the only feasible fly in the ointment could be John Gosden’s Ravens Pass but he has failed to match strides with Henry every time they have met this season and may have to settle for minor honours again.

Earlier on the card, O’Brien’s unbeaten Rip Van Winkle is a worthy favourite for the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes (2.30pm) after a stunning victory over top class filly Cuis Gaire in the Tyros Stake at Leopardstown.

The horse simply oozed class that day, traveling supremely well throughout before quickening impressively to win a shade cleverly and shoot to the head of the betting for next year’s 2,000 Guineas.

He is currently a 6-1 shot for next year’s Newmarket classic behind stable companion Mastercraftsman (5-1), but the roles could well be reversed by the end of tomorrow if, as expected, he scores in style. Get on now.

Over at Haydock, I sponsor the three opening races on the card which is being staged in honour of Lester Piggott. In what promises to be a terrific day’s action I fancy Double Banded (2.25pm), Musaalem (3pm) and Tom’s Laughter (3.35pm) to go well in the Betfred sponsored races.

On the football front, Bolton travel to Old Trafford this weekend to take on my beloved Manchester United.

United have not had the best start to the season but I still rate them 2/9 shots to beat Wanderers, who are struggling to find form.

Gary Megson’s side are 9/1 to cause a major upset, it’s 4/1 the draw, but after Ronaldo getting back on the score sheet in United’s Carling Cup defeat of Middlesbrough in midweek, I think they have it all to do.

Ronaldo is 7/2 joint favourite with Berbatov to score the game’s opener, but Bolton fans will be pinning their hopes on Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander to break the deadlock at a tempting looking 12/1.

I fancy United to win comfortably and think a 4-0 scoreline at 10/1 with a saver on 4-1 at 12s could be worth a punt.