Royal Ascot is back for another year and our expert tipster has cast his eye over all four days to give you his analysis and views of the highest quality horse racing anywhere in the world.
Royal Ascot Day One
Tuesday 15th June
Ascot, Berkshire
Live on ITV
This is the meeting where all trainers and jockeys want to get at least one winner. Whether you are Aiden O’Brien or Ryan Moore or one of the less-heralded jockey and trainer combinations, this is a meeting where everyone wants a piece of the action.
We have the best horse racing odds available at NetBet and as ever, the five days at Royal Ascot look as difficult as ever to predict.
So, with an action-packed first day in prospect, let’s take a closer look at what our expert tipster has picked and get the latest horse racing tips for day one and begin our Royal Ascot race previews.
2.30 – Queen Anne Stakes – 1m
This is a race which has been won by the likes of Frankel in recent years and we have another superstar in the line-up as Palace Pier headlines this contest.
Frankie Dettori’s mount has lit up the Flat racing scene and is improving with each race. He likes close to unbeatable and he is a solid odds-on bet to win this race. We think he will comfortably.
His biggest threat if you want to take him on, we think comes from Tilsit. He is a lightly raced four-year old and he ran a great race in a Group 1 at Longchamp last time. He could provide some value.
Tip: PALACE PIER – 4/9
Value: Tilsit – 14/1
3.05 – Coventry Stakes – 6f
This is a dash down the wide straight of Ascot and with the forecast hot and dry, this could play into the hands of a real speedster. The horse we like the most is Gisburn. Ridden by Pat Dobbs, this horse produced an explosive performance at Newbury last time out, making all to win handsomely.
The main threat is likely to come from the American-trained Kaufymaker. The Wesley-Ward two-year old showed raw pace on his only run, winning on the other side of the Atlantic at Keeneland.
Tip: GISBURN – 13/2
Danger: Kaufymaker – 3/1
3.40 – King’s Stand Stakes – 5f
If you thought the 3.05 was a mad dash, this race will be lightning quick! The worthy favourite is Battaash and he is probably the best 5f sprinter in the world.
He won this race last year, having finished second the year before and he should be able to see off the opposition once again under Jim Crowley.
This race is always a tough contest but if you are looking for value then Que Amoro could be the one. He finished second to our selection at York last August and is a real warrior.
Tip: BATTAASH – 13/8
Value – Que Amoro – 10/1
4.20 – St James’s Palace Stakes – 1m
This is arguably the highlight of the opening day as the best three-year old milers in Europe take each other on. It is a tough betting contest as it is 3/1 the field so plenty are in with a chance.
Our selection is Highland Avenue. This horse takes on 4/1 shot Mostahdaf again having narrowly lost to him at Sandown last time but we think he can gain his revenge and will be suited by the stronger pace.
The danger will be favourite Poetic Flare. The Irish-trained horse won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket before narrowly being edged out in the Irish 2000 Guineas. He is tough and will love the ground.
Tip: HIGHLAND AVENUE – 9/2
Danger: Poetic Flare – 3/1
5.00 – Ascot Stakes – 2m4f
This race will undoubtedly attract a huge field and you need a horse with staying power and a horse that is battle-hardened as this contest isn’t for the faint-hearted.
The likes of Willie Mullins and Paul Nicholls, better known for their exploits over jumps, have runners in the field and as ever the Irish challenge is strong.
Our tentative tip for this race is Postileo. Ridden by Andrea Atzeni, he is definitely one of the less exposed types in this big field. He has only had seven runs and shown his aptitude for this trip.
The threat is Rayapour. Trained by Irish master Mullins, he was a good horse in France before joining the stable earlier this year and ran a good warm-up race last month. He will be popular.
Tip: POSTILEO – 12/1
Danger: Rayapour – 5/1
5.35 Wolferton Stakes – 1m2f
Another intriguing race for punters to look at and we like the look of Felix in this one. Oisin Murphy’s mount has been on the go for a while but never runs a bad race and came close in a Group 1 at Meydan. Since that effort, he has had a break and should be fresh and firing on all cylinders for this one.
The main danger to look at is Faisal. He has won all three races in his career and has improved each time. Hollie Doyle has a great chance on this one and will go close.
Tip: FELIX – 15/2
Danger – Faisal – 6/1
6.10 – Copper Horse Stakes Handicap – 1m6f
It doesn’t get any easier and this is arguably the toughest race of the week, let alone the day, to pick a winner from. However, one horse we really like the look of is the Alan-King trained On To Victory. This horse is now seven but in the form of his life and is sure to run another big race. We think his odds of 12/1 are more than generous.
Once again, Moore and Mullins have a live chance with Saldier and he is edging favouritism. He will give our selection the most to think about.
Tip: ON TO VICTORY – 12/1
Danger: Saldier – 6/1
*Odds are subject to change