Royal Ascot continues Friday with a pair of Group I races: the Commonwealth Cup and the Coronation Stakes.

The Commonwealth Cup is the newest Group I at Royal Ascot: a six-furlong sprint for three-year-olds.  It filled a need on the calendar — before it, elite sophomore sprinters had to decide between stretching out to a mile or facing older if they wanted to race at the top level at Ascot.  Last year’s winner proved a force in the sprint division.  Will this year’s?

The Coronation Stakes is a mile for sophomore fillies.  Jet Setting, who recently upset Minding in the Irish 1000 Guineas, makes her first start for new connections after selling for a gaudy £1.3M to new owner China Horse Club earlier this week.  But, stiff new challengers await.

Head over to Picks and Ponderings, read my preview of the Commonwealth Cup and the Coronation Stakes, and let me know in the comments what you think!