Royal Ascot is back with a feast of the very highest quality Flat racing and it looks set to be another glorious few days in sunny Berkshire.
The best horses assemble for what promises to be five thrilling days of the best horse racing action you can get!
The first day is packed full of Group 1 action and will we see the likes of Battaash confirm his claim as one of the champion sprinters?
Here is the best of the first day action and our tips below:
1.15 Buckingham Palace Handicap 7f
A very tough way to start the meeting with a big field so each-way is probably the way to go here.
Daarik is a worthy favourite at 4/1 and with Ascot specialist Frankie Dettori in the saddle, he will surely go close and must have a good chance.
One for a longer price is Jack’s Point at 20/1. He made all to win a decent race at Newmarket last time out and he is worth an each-way tip.
OUR TIP: Jack’s Point E/W – 20/1
1.50 Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) 1m
This is one of the highest quality races of the meeting and this star-studded field will make this an ultra-competitive race.
Circus Maximus is a worthy favourite at 9/4 and his form as a three-year-old contesting the best races is absolutely rock solid. Once again, Dettori and trainer John Gosden have a live chance with Terebellum. He will be in the driving seat when they near the finishing post.
One to watch out for a slightly longer price is Duke of Hazzard at 10/1. He won his last three races at the back end of the last season but hasn’t raced for nearly 300 days.
OUR TIP: Terebellum – 7/2
2.25 Ribblesdale Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2) 1m 3f
This is an intriguing contest with just 12 runners but it is still a tricky little race to predict.
That man Dettori has another golden opportunity with Frankly Darling (6/4). She has only had two races in her life and this is by far her toughest assignment. At that price, she is a bit too short against quality opposition.
One we like is Miss Yoda. She has a likeable attitude and has more experience than the market leader.
OUR TIP: Miss Yoda – 6/1
3.00 King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) 1m 3f
Only six runners and the standout horse here is Mogul (8/11). He will be hard to beat for the dream team of Aiden O’Brien and Ryan Moore. He had some very impressive form as a two-year-old and a repeat of that will see him in the box seat.
Another to consider is Mohican Heights. He is unbeaten in two races and has some very strong form to back that up.
OUR TIP: Mohican Heights – 4/1
3.35 King’s Stand Stakes (Group 1) 5f
This is sure to a thrilling battle. Some of the best dashers in the game line-up here and they will all have it to do to beat Battaash (8/13). He is an absolutely electric horse and if he is at his best, he will be a tough nut to crack.
With Battaash likely to win and being such a short-priced favourite, one we like a much bigger prize is Kurious. He is a progressive sort who won his last two races last year. He can give the favourite most to think about.
OUR TIP: Kurious E/W – 28/1
4.10 Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2) 1m
This is one of the toughest races of the day to predict. Nazeef is the 3/1 favourite but the form of these runners is very close with no standout candidate to select from.
The unbeaten Miss O Connor (5/1) looks to have all the credentials in a race like this. She is genuine and has won all four races in great style. Magic Lily is another who will run a solid race. She has a lot of experience and could be a lively each way candidate.
OUR TIP: Magic Lily E/W – 9/1
4.40 Ascot Stakes (Handicap) 2m 3f
Possibly the hardest race of the day to leave until last. Verdana Blue is the favourite and a very interesting contender. He is trained by Nicky Henderson who is known for his expertise in jump racing but he has a great chance here with Ryan Moore riding.
For a real outsider who could run well, Charlie D (25/1) has some nice form and could snatch a place.
OUR TIP: Verdana Blue – 10/3
For the best horse racing odds, visit our dedicated NetBet page Horse Racing betting.