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Previews

All the latest news including going on day one of Royal Ascot

Ascot racecourse: welcomes back Betfred as betting partner this year
Conditions are continuing to dry at AscotCredit: Justin Setterfield (Getty Images)

The wait is finally over. Royal Ascot is a five-day celebration of the very best of Flat racing and starts as it means to go on with a competitive renewal of the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (2.30).

Suitably warmed up, fans will then be treated to a mouthwatering clash between last year's winner Blue Point, Battaash and Mabs Cross in the King's Stand Stakes (3.40).

This is quickly followed by a third Group 1, the St James's Palace Stakes (4.20), headed by Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Phoenix Of Spain and the John Gosden-trained Too Darn Hot.

If that's not enough, there is more Flat action at Thirsk, a jumps card at Stratford and evening fare courtesy of Sligo, Brighton and Beverley.

Going report

Ascot (first race at: 2.30)
Good on the straight course and good, good to soft in places on the round course. (Rail movements: 4.20 +5yds and 5.00 & 5.35 +11yds)

Thirsk (1.40)
Soft (Rail movements: 2.10, 2.45, 3.55 & 5.10 +10yds and 4.35 +27yds)

Stratford (2.20)
Soft, heavy in places on the chase course and good to soft, soft in places on the hurdle course (GoingStick: 7.0 at 7.15am) (Rail movements: 2.20 & 5.20 +18yds, 2.55 +22yds, 3.30 & 4.45 +15yds and 4.05 +42yds)

Sligo (5.40)
Yielding

Brighton (5.50)
Good to firm, good in places (GoingStick: 7.9 at 7.10am) (Rail movements: All races +3yds)

Beverley (6.00)
Good to soft

What to back

For members, Paul Kealy has six tips for the opening day. You can also read our experts verdicts in the daily Top Tips service.

What to read

Lee Mottershead sets the scene on the opening day of Royal Ascot and our team preview the three Group 1s: the Queen Anne, the King's Stand and the St James's Palace Stakes.

What to watch

The best of Racing Post Sport

Final thought

Battaash was back to his scintillating best when winning the Temple Stakes last month and has an opportunity to set the record straight with last year's winner Blue Point in the King's Stand.


For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app


Published on 18 June 2019inPreviews

Last updated 10:50, 18 June 2019

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