Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes Racecard & Runners - Royal Ascot 2026

Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)

Coventry Stakes (Group 2)

King Charles III Stakes (Group 1)

St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (Colts)

Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Wolferton Stakes (Listed Race)

Copper Horse Stakes (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies)

Queen's Vase (Group 2)

Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares)

Prince Of Wales's Stakes (Group 1)

Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)

Kensington Palace Stakes (Handicap) (Fillies & Mares)

Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed Race)

Chesham Stakes (Listed Race)

King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies)

Gold Cup (Group 1)

Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Colts & Geldings)

Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3)

Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap)

Albany Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies)

Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (No Geldings)

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Coronation Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies)

Sandringham Stakes (Handicap) (Fillies)

King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings)

Palace Of Holyroodhouse (Handicap)

Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)

Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)

Jersey Stakes (Group 3)

Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap)

Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race) (GBBPlus Race)

£60 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £10 ON 2.30PM DAY 5

hide

Sky Bet – BTTC

GET £40 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU PLACE A £5 BET

PP Bet 5 get 40

GET £40 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £10

Tote – b10g40

Get £50 In Free Bets When You Bet £10

Ladbrokes B10G50

Coral B10G50

GET £30 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £10

Will Hill B10G30

£50 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £10

Betfred – b10g50

£40 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £10

Boyles – b10g40

BetMGM – b10g40

£50 IN FREE BETS MULTIPLES WHEN YOU BET £10

Betfair – b10g50

Bet £10 & Get £30 In Free Bets

bet365 – b10g30

To access this content you need to create a free Racing Post account, or login here.

Sign up

Login

Interface Settings

Compare the odds for all the runners in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes Handicap at Royal Ascot 2026. Find out which bookmaker is offering the best odds.

Duke of Edinburgh Stakes Handicap tips and predictions from our horse racing experts for the third race on day 4 of Royal Ascot 2026.

The Duke of Edinburgh Stakes is a handicap run over 1m4f. It takes place at 15:40 on Friday 19th June, which is the fourth day of Royal Ascot 2026. View the runners here, and also make sure to check out the odds and tips on offer for this race.

Compare odds for all the runners in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes on day four of Royal Ascot 2026. Some bookmakers offer different odds and unique offers so look out for the offer icons under the bookmaker logos. This is often a highly competitive race so you may want to look for an each-way alternative at bigger odds, which is where the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes odds comparison comes in handy.

Duke of Edinburgh Stakes Odds Comparison 2026

Duke of Edinburgh Stakes Tips - Royal Ascot 2026

Favourite backers were in clover as the well-backed Ethical Diamond wrote last season’s wrongs. Under the potent combination of Ryan Moore and Willie Mullins, he was settled in midfield and was unleashed in the straight to score. This subsequent Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner was hard to settle in 2024, but with the hood on this time he proved too good to win at odds of 3-1, winning by two lengths. This was his first start on the Flat since last season’s running, having run in the Scottish Champion Hurdle in April.

<span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;The National Hunt Chase odds comparison grid is simple and easy to use. All the runners are listed down the left, whilst each bookmaker is presented across the top. The odds box that crosses the horse and the bookmaker, is the odds that bookmaker is offering on that specific horse. \n\nThe odds that have a bold number indicate the best price available for that horse in the National Hunt Chase. The odds boxes are coloured red and blue to indicate whether a horse is being supported or not. The red boxes show a drift in price, which means the odds are getting bigger as less punters are betting on that horse. In contrast, the blue box shows when the odds are contracting, indicating the horse is being supported in the betting.\n\nUnderneath the bookmaker logo, are the offers available for the National Hunt Chase by that bookmaker. Some bookmakers offer more places for each way bets, or money back specials if your horse finishes second, so it’s always worth checking and comparing before placing your bet.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:515,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:[null,2,14281427],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-textstyleruns="{&quot;1&quot;:0}{&quot;1&quot;:4,&quot;2&quot;:{&quot;2&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:16711680}}}{&quot;1&quot;:23}{&quot;1&quot;:374,&quot;2&quot;:{&quot;2&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:16711680}}}{&quot;1&quot;:393}{&quot;1&quot;:795,&quot;2&quot;:{&quot;2&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:16711680}}}{&quot;1&quot;:814}">The Duke of Edinburgh Stakes odds comparison grid is simple and easy to use. All the runners are listed down the left, whilst each bookmaker is presented across the top. The odds box that crosses the horse and the bookmaker, is the odds that bookmaker is offering on that specific horse.
The odds that have a bold number indicate the best price available for that horse in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes. The odds boxes are coloured red and blue to indicate whether a horse is being supported or not. The red boxes show a drift in price, which means the odds are getting bigger as less punters are betting on that horse. In contrast, the blue box shows when the odds are contracting, indicating the horse is being supported in the betting.
Underneath the bookmaker logo, are the offers available for the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes by that bookmaker. Some bookmakers offer more places for each way bets, or money back specials if your horse finishes second, so it’s always worth checking and comparing before placing your bet.

This prestigious and valuable 1m4f handicap for three-year-olds and upwards dates back to 1914 and was formerly known as the Bessborough Handicap (starting out as a sprint) before being renamed in 1999. There have been four successful favourites in the last 10 runnings, including Ethical Diamond a year ago. Since 2004, there have only been two winners aged six and above. Scarlet Dragon (aged 7) in 2020 and Crystal Black (aged 6) in 2024.

Wathnan Racing have glaringly strong candidates in Opportunity and Hopewell Rock but the draw complicates the issue for Opportunity in particular, as he runs the risk of getting boxed in from stall 1. Mondo Man should go well returned to the Flat, having been the Imperial Cup winner over hurdles in March, while Omni Man is clearly one to note for Joseph O'Brien. The top two options, however, from wide draws, may be PLAGE DE HAVRE and Warrant Holder, and while the latter may bring the clearer potential, he also needs to settle better than he did at York last time, so preference is for the more experienced, but also progressive, Plage De Havre who's the mount of Oisin Murphy.

<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" data-sheets-root="1" data-sheets-baot="1">
<colgroup>
<col width="100" />
<col width="174" />
<col width="100" />
<col width="100" />
<col width="100" />
<col width="165" />
<col width="187" /></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Year</td>
<td>Horse [Draw]</td>
<td>Age</td>
<td>Weight</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Trainer</td>
<td>Jockey</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2025</td>
<td>Ethical Diamond [7]</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>3/1F</td>
<td>W P Mullins</td>
<td>Ryan Moore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024</td>
<td>Crystal Black [4]</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>9-10</td>
<td>11/1</td>
<td>Gerard Keane</td>
<td>Colin Keane</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023</td>
<td>Okita Soushi [9]</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>9-9</td>
<td>9/1</td>
<td>Joseph Patrick O&#8217;Brien</td>
<td>Ryan Moore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022</td>
<td>Candleford [18]</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>8-12</td>
<td>11/2</td>
<td>William Haggas</td>
<td>Tom Marquand</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2021</td>
<td>Quickthorn [19]</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>7/2F</td>
<td>Hughie Morrison</td>
<td>Oisin Murphy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2020</td>
<td>Scarlet Dragon [12]</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>9-2</td>
<td>33/1</td>
<td>Alan King</td>
<td>Hollie Doyle</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2019</td>
<td>Baghdad [12]</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>9-8</td>
<td>7/2F</td>
<td>Mark Johnston</td>
<td>Ryan Moore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2018</td>
<td>Dash Of Spice [14]</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>7/2F</td>
<td>David Elsworth</td>
<td>Silvestre De Sousa</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2017</td>
<td>Rare Rhythm [19]</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>9-2</td>
<td>20/1</td>
<td>Charlie Appleby</td>
<td>William Buick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2016</td>
<td>Kinema [19]</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>9-4</td>
<td>8/1</td>
<td>Ralph Beckett</td>
<td>Fran Berry</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Latest odds for the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot 2026.

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes Odds

Key trends
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Achieved best RPR in a Class 2 or 3 handicap or equivalent, 10/10 </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drawn in double figures, 7/10</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aged four or five, 8/10</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Won the race previously, 6/10</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Officially rated between 96 and 102, 7/10</li>
</ul>
Other factors
Four of the last ten winners started favourite.

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes Handicap tips from our racing experts for the 15:40 race on the fourth day of Royal Ascot 2026.

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes Tips

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes Handicap Tips and Predictions

Racing Post experts predict the likely big players and identify the each way value in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes, as well as analysing the trends and predicting the winner.

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes

First run in 1890, this is the most valuable race for juveniles at Royal Ascot and the season’s first high-class contest for the age group, regularly proving a stepping stone to Group 1 level later in the year. Market position is a good guide, with seven of the last twelve winners having been favourites and another being in the first three in the betting. Only five of those 12 priced above 10-1. That five includes two large outsiders with Nando Parrado (150-1) in 2020 and Rashabar (80-1) in 2024.

Aidan O'Brien bids for a twelfth Coventry Stakes and holds a strong hand with a pair of promising sons of No Nay Never. Confucius, the choice of Ryan Moore, clocked a fast time when winning at Naas and commands major respect, but as things stand GREAT BARRIER REEF is the pick on form and he may represent a bit of value. British-trained hopefuls include the unbeaten Cut A Dash, Siouxperb, Royal Heritage and Ruler's Pride, the last two running for the formidable Wathnan operation. Twice-raced Mrair is a little down the pecking order on ratings but has stacks of potential and could go well at a price under Oisin Murphy.

Dating back to 1813, this is the last heritage handicap of the week and one of the big handicap sprints of the Flat season, with up to 30 runners charging down the straight in a hotly contested 6f race. Only two favourites have won since 2005, the last being Cape Byron in 2019 at 7-2. Since then only one winner has been priced lower than 10-1, that was Rohaan in 2021 at 8-1, who came back to win the following year at longer odds of 18-1. Last year, Get It was victorious at 28-1, the longest priced winner since 2018.

Another tremendous race in store for this top handicap. Binhareer has headed the market for some time but he has been most impressive visually on flat tracks and it remains to be seen whether he can reproduce that sparkle back over this searching 6f. Stablemate REALIGN has hit form at the right time and he was impressive when coming clear of his rivals very quickly at Carlisle. Double Rush has gone up the weights for his two Newmarket wins in the spring but he was in no way hard pressed in either of them and he can be the main danger ahead of Ten Pounds. The latter's third in this race last year, on his first 6f run, deserves the highest praise and after a return to form at Carlisle recently, he is poised to give a very good account. Sondad and Royal Zabeel also make some appeal among the low draws.

Now in its sixth year, this mile handicap is run over the round course for older fillies and mares rated 0-105 and has proved a tricky test for punters. Dave Loughnane had the first two places (Lola Showgirl at 12-1 and Ffion at 10-1) in the inaugural running and both had got in at the bottom end of the weights off ratings of 81, in 2022 the first three were Marco Botti’s Rising Star (40-1), Random Harvest (40-1) and Isola Rossa (22-1). The next two editions were won by Villanova Queen (25-1) and Doha (10-1). Miss Information (11-1) won the most recent edition of the race for Andrew Balding. Meaning every winner thus far has had a double figure price.

The C&D fillies' handicap on last month's Victoria Cup card looks a key piece of form. Radiant Beauty and Song N Dance were first and second and are likely to go well again, but it was the performance of ALOBAYYAH which really caught the eye. On just the fourth start of her career, she stormed home from the rear for a closing third while the aforementioned first two filled those positions throughout. That effort suggests this Ghaiyyath filly is on a good mark and her lightly raced profile suggests there should be even more to come from her. Last year's Sandringham fourth Oolong Poobong made an encouraging return from just under a year off when fifth at Thirsk last month and is second choice. Cheshire Dancer, who boasts a good Ascot record, and Perfect Part are two who could go well at likely bigger odds.

Founded in 1839, this 2m4f handicap has come to be dominated by trainers whose main emphasis is jump racing, with Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson, Jonjo O’Neill and David Pipe on the roll of honour since 2010. This is not impossibly hard, with five of the last 12 winners coming from the top five in the betting. The only two successful favourites in the past 21 years were both trained by Mullins. In 2024 Pledgeofallegiance (20-1) won with the lowest RPR in the last decade of 97. Ascending won a year ago, making it consecutive 20/1 winners.

The headline horse, as he was last year, is REACHING HIGH who is trained by Willie Mullins for the King and Queen and has not raced since the debacle 12 months ago when traffic problems in a steadily run race denied him any proper shot at landing the royal gamble. Trouble in running is part and parcel of this race but, off the same mark, it would be no surprise were Reaching High to put the record straight with a win, albeit at a likely short price and after the year off. In total, 13 of this year's runners represent Irish stables. Joseph O'Brien has seven of them, coming at it from all sorts of promising angles and possibly headed by the impressive 2025 Irish Cesarewitch winner Puturhandstogether. Also of major interest, however, are Tony Martin's Westminster Moon and, for last year's winning trainer, Henry de Bromhead's Tim Toe. The latter's inexperience may outweigh his clear promise in calculations, so Westminster Moon, a class act in 2024 and resurgent last month, may prove the best alternative to the favourite.

First run in 1843, this is the meeting’s third Group 2 race for two-year-olds, following the Coventry and Queen Mary Stakes, and its distinguishing feature is that it is open to both sexes over the minimum distance of five furlongs. The last five years have thrown up some high-priced winners. Perfect Power (14-1) and The Ridler (50-1) won in 2021 and 2022 for Richard Fahey. That was followed by Valiant Force (150-1), the highest priced winner of the Norfolk Stakes and then Shareholder (12-1) in 2024. However, last time out it went to the favourite Charles Darwin (8-13) for Aidan O'Brien.

Wesley Ward runs three fillies, headed by Ez Tina and Through The Years, who provide a fascinating extra dimension to this year's Norfolk and it would be no surprise if they made an impact. Carry The Flag (second choice) almost certainly will but it's well worth giving another chance to his Curragh conqueror STAR PROSPECT, who was undone by a messy race last time but promises to be suited by this test. Flight Signal, Tribeca and Where Love Lives are firmly in the picture, while Social Symbol, Underdog and Mr Macartney are likely outsiders who need a second look.

Established in 2002 at Listed level and upgraded in 2005, this Group 3 6f contest is a two-year-old fillies’ version of the Coventry Stakes, albeit without such a long and illustrious history. This has not been a great race for favourites. Since Cuis Ghaire won at 8-11 in 2008, only four market leaders have been successful. Four of the last 12 winners were returned at odds of 14-1 or bigger, while six winners were in the top three of the betting in that time. Since 2008 the winner has come out of a stall higher than nine on 12 occasions, but not since 2020. 

Aidan O'Brien has won two of the last four renewals and he has leading claims with Sun Goddess, who was impressive in a Curragh maiden last month and sets the standard on that form. Jolivette made a bright start with her cosy win at Newmarket and she's respected along with Hidden Gift, who was a major eye-catcher at Ripon and is open to plenty of progress on this step up in trip. Light Of Dawn has a similar profile to last year's winner and she's an interesting contender for Karl Burke, while several others have also shown striking potential, including Libertango and King's Prize. However, the vote goes to SILENT BEAUTY, who cost 1,000,000 euros as a yearling and looked a star in the making when she surged clear on her debut at Yarmouth.

Introduced to the Royal Ascot programme in 2002, this is a handicap for three-year-old fillies rated up to 105 run over the straight mile, making it effectively a fillies’ version of the Britannia. Despite the race’s large number of runners and hugely competitive nature, it is notable that fancied contenders do well. Eleven of the 22 winners came from the top two in the betting, including eight who had at least a share of favouritism, and only seven winners have been bigger than 11-1, although five of them have come in the last seven runnings. Trainer Charlie Fellowes had back-to-back 33-1 winners in 2019 and 2020, while 2024 winner Soprano was 14-1, and Never Let Go won at 22-1 last time out.

Sixteen of these are making their handicap debuts. It would be easy to harbour reservations about AWAKEN when she has a big weight and ran moderately on her comeback in the Nell Gwyn. However, this fast ground is the key to her, on which she was runner-up in last year's Albany at this meeting and a good fourth in the Group 2 Rockfel, while going beyond 7f for the first time is worth exploring when her dam won over 1m2f. The two Gosden fillies have been kept away from the bright lights but Seet could be destined for Group races, while Symbol Of Majesty had a Coronation Stakes entry when there were excuses on her handicap debut. It was surprising to see Zooming (second choice) back at 6f last time when she had seen her race out so well over the 7f of a Guineas trial, and this is a good day to try 1m. In truth, with such a high percentage of this field open to career bests, cases can be made for 20 or more.

First run in 1928, this contest over the straight mile is the second of Royal Ascot’s three heritage handicaps and is open to three-year-old colts and geldings. Six winners since 2010 were sent off at 14-1 or bigger and there has been only two successful favourites in that time, Fast Or Free in 2012 and Docklands in 2023.

A typical Britannia conundrum that's full of horses who have yet to reveal their true ability to the handicapper and there will be Group horses lurking. WECHAAD dipped his toe in those waters last season (on unsuitably soft ground) and there was heaps to like about his reappearance at Goodwood, where he was soon on the back foot from his wide draw yet finished his race out strongly. That was after seven months off and he's crying out for this longer distance. That Goodwood handicap could be key as Pathein, who was entered in this week's Group 1 St James's Palace, finished third despite a messy run through, while Richie's Rocket's effort further back can also be upgraded. As always, the eyes are drawn to many contenders and, from the rescheduled Silver Bowl that looks strong form, the third Crest Of Fire (second choice) is interesting as that race didn't go at all to plan. Organise, We're Goosers and Moonfall are understandably towards the peak of the betting.

First run in 1919, this Listed contest is the final race of the meeting for two-year-olds and at seven furlongs is the longest of the week for that age group. It is open only to horses whose sire or dam won over a distance in excess of nine and a half furlongs. Since 1996, ten of the 29 winners had market leadership, with a further 14 in the top four of the betting. Aiden O’Brien has partnered with Ryan Moore to win the affair five of the last ten years, these five also make up all the favourites to have won in that time. Last year, trainer Andrew Balding got his first win in the Chesham stakes with Humidity.

Seven of the last eight winners of this to have run before came into the race unbeaten, with six of those having won their only previous start. Curragh maiden winner Aix La Chapelle fits into that category and will be a major player in his bid to provide Aidan O'Brien with his eighth winner in the race, albeit with fellow Irish challenger Nola Soul having achieved just as much when making a successful debut at Leopardstown. Both are respected, while Newbury winner Aperoll is clearly highly regarded and makes the shortlist alongside impressive Musselburgh winner Time For The Moon. Joseph O'Brien's newcomer On Just Terms should be closely monitored in the market, but the vote goes to REVELS whose impressive Redcar debut success has since been handsomely franked by the reopposing Sword Salute. The stable took this with Holloway Boy in 2022.

Dating back to 1919, this Group 3 race for Three-year-olds over seven furlongs is a battleground between Classic pretenders dropping back from a mile and sprinters trying to stretch out their stamina. There have been six winners from the top three of the betting in the last decade, while Noble Truth was the last successful favourite in 2022. There have been three winners over 20-1 in the last decade, Space Traveller (2019) and Age Of Kings (2023) and Noble Champion a year ago.

If there's a superstar in the line-up it's probably Saber Strike, who boasts an unbeaten record and brings stacks of potential. The William Haggas-trained colt commands major respect but it was hard not to be impressed by last month's wide-margin handicap winner CATULLUS, and he can enhance Charlie Appleby's fine recent record in the Jersey. Last year's winning trainer Ed Walker has a persuasive candidate in The Prettiest Star, while Into The Sky is another who should be suited by dropping back in distance. Neolithic, Avicenna, Colori Forever and America Queen are others with possibilities.

This 1m2f handicap for Three-year-olds rated up to 105 was introduced as part of the expanded programme in 2020 and has been won by 20-1 shot Highland Chief for Paul and Oliver Cole, the Andrew Balding-trained Foxes Tales at 13-2 and 5-2 favourite Missed The Cut for George Boughey. These three were followed by 20-1 Burdett Road and then 9-4 favourite Hand Of God under William Buick. Last year Andrew Balding became the first trainer to win their second Golden Gates Stakes with 12-1 Quai De Bethune.

Wathnan Racing have stepped in to buy LOST BOYS and Sahara King since they moved clear to be separated by a head in first and second for the London Gold Cup at Newbury five weeks ago and it's easy to see why. Lost Boys may well be more straightforward and gets the vote to complete his four-timer, although Sahara King's finishing effort could be helped by the first-time headgear. Harmonics is far less exposed and was so impressive in a novice event last time, so he is feared most among the rest, ahead of Evanesco and the Haggas pair Princling and Bayaann.

Established in 1839, this Listed five-furlong dash for two-year-olds is open to colts, geldings and fillies. This has been a juvenile race open to some surprise results, with five of the last 12 winners having been 12-1 or bigger. Even the major stables can produce a long-odds winner – Charlie Appleby at 16-1 in 2017 and John Gosden at 20-1 the year before that. However, the last two winners were favourites, including last year's winner Havana Hurricane, at 7/1 for Eve Johnson Houghton. Seven of the last twelve winners were in the top three in the betting.

A new-look Windsor Castle Stakes with an additional furlong to negotiate and sire restrictions in place. While it has attracted a different type of horse as a consequence, it is no less competitive for it. Sale Shark created a big impression when winning at Hamilton and looks best of the home-trained contingent, while Alfred Wallace is another lively one, but this prize could be heading across the Irish Sea. Controlla sets a clear standard having run so well in a Group 3 on her debut but there are opponents who have also achieved a good standard while perhaps bringing the potential for greater improvement. Sergei Diaghilev falls into that category and he can feature prominently, while Celeron also looked the part when winning at the Curragh two weeks ago. Flying home for second in that race was ONE NUMBER, who was easy to back and palpably green before the penny finally dropped. With that run behind him, and faced with forecast faster ground, he could take a significant step forward.


First run at Royal Ascot in 1948, this is a fascinating yet tricky 1m4f handicap for three-year-olds, open to fillies as well as colts and geldings. Since Cosmic Sun scored at 66-1 in 2009, nine of the sixteen winners have come from the top four in the betting. Of the last ten winners only Baghdad had won over 1m4f prior to the King George V, until the favourite Merchant won last time out.

Arc Ole Ole needs plenty of respect in his bid to complete a four-timer, despite the 10lb higher mark, and this race has been won from very high draws in the last three renewals. Tierra Del Toro and Into The Light also make appeal with the promise shown last time out in British 1m2f handicaps. Joseph O'Brien may hold the key this time, though, with his batch of unexposed handicap newcomers, of whom the pick may be ENCELADUS ahead of Cannes. They top the list, with slight preference for Enceladus who may well be the one open to the most improvement.

This Group 3 race for three-year-olds was added to the programme when Royal Ascot was extended to five days in 2002 and upgraded to its current level in 2011. Most winners had done enough to take high rank in the betting, with nine of the last 12 coming from the top two and none of the 12 bigger than 7-1. 2025 winner Trinity College continued that trend, winning as the 5/2 favourite.

Aidan O'Brien has won three of the last eight runnings and Ryan Moore's mount Endorsement holds leading form claims following his dominant Listed win at Leopardstown a fortnight ago. However, this could go to the unexposed MOUNTAIN CAT who showed serious promise last month when winning his first two starts and looks to have a very bright future. Endorsement is second choice ahead of Generic, whose inexperience was still evident when 7l runner-up to Constitution River in the Dee Stakes at Chester.

Originally introduced to the expanded royal meeting in 2002, this big-field seven-furlong handicap for three-year-olds and upwards was removed after 2014 to make room for the new Group 1 Commonwealth Cup but reinstated in 2020 as part of the extended race programme. There had never been a successful favourite in 17 runnings until English Oak won as the 100-30 favourite in 2024, followed by 4-1 favourite Never So Brave a year ago. Prior to that, the only winners not at double-figure odds were 8-1 shots Unscrupulous (2004) and Jedburgh (2005).

High draws have generally held sway in this race since its reintroduction to this meeting six years ago but outright conclusiveness is tempered by the tendency of changeable results across all contests on the straight course here. Those complications aside, the suggestion is RIVER KING who looks interesting dropped back further in distance and may have plenty of further improvement in him. Arctic Dawn, another runner who scored in great style last time and plausibly hasn't reached his ceiling yet, is second pick ahead of Cosi Bello who should continue to do well. Royal Velvet, who brings excellent stats, is fourth choice.

Dating back to 1838 and run under its current name since 1960, this Group 2 over 1m6f is restricted to three-year-olds and designed to bring along future St Leger and Cup horses over staying trips. This is the tenth year since a reduction in distance from two miles. The market is often a good guide to the best prospects from the big stables, every winner has been in the top three of the betting since the distance reduction, including three consecutive favourites winning between 2022 and 2024.

Galiyan finished his 1m4f maiden at Chester with tremendous relish but LIMESTONE accomplished significantly more when he too proved much the strongest in the closing stages on his latest start, in a 1m5f Listed race at Navan. Joseph O'Brien's contender keeps finding more for pressure and makes plenty of appeal in this bid to complete a four-timer. While leaving a less striking impression, Asakir was beaten only just over a length in that Navan race and has headgear enlisted today, so he is considered seriously. Mr Colonel, however, brings major each-way interest and might just emerge as the chief danger following his third in the Chester Vase. While Aidan O'Brien's stable has surely fielded much more striking candidates in the past, Port Of Spain is nevertheless their selected runner from plenty of options.

Inaugurated in 2002 with the extension of Royal Ascot to a five-day meeting, this was changed in 2018 to become a 1m2f Listed conditions race for four-year-olds and up (rather than a Listed handicap).The first three winners post-2018 were in the first four in the betting; the next two were much further down the list. Israr won for John & Thady Gosden in 2024, the first favourite/joint favourite to win since the change. Haatem (8/1) won last year at fifth in the betting.

A host with chances in a typically wide-open renewal. Last year's winner HAATEM has presumably been primed for this again and he's preferred to Arabian Light (second choice) and Wimbledon Hawkeye, who ran encouraging trials in the Brigadier Gerard. This is a slightly belated reappearance for Nahraan, and firmish ground would be something new to him, but the only horses to have beaten him are Japanese star Croix Du Nord and Arc hero Daryz. French raider Map Of Stars would be a threat to all if first-time cheekpieces spark a return to form.

Run over 1m6f, this handicap for four-year-olds and upwards was introduced as part of the enhanced programme for Royal Ascot in 2020. Newmarket stables filled the first three places in the first two runnings, but North Yorkshire trainer David O’Meara struck in 2022 with 16-1 shot, Get Shirty. Willie Mullins then won the next two runnings with Vauban (evens) and Belloccio (4-1). John and Thady Gosden trained French Master (5/2) won the last running to make three out of six winners the favourite/joint-favourite and four out of six in the betting top three.

Ante-post punters have been all over Valiancy, the chosen one for James Doyle from three entries for owners Wathnan Racing, and he could easily be the best handicapped of these. However, there's no shortage of alternatives and AERONAUTIC might be closer to the finished article now than he was when fifth in this 12 months ago, and he returns a fresh horse having been rested since contesting a Group race at Meydan in February. Gamrai could find the improvement that he'll need, though Daiquiri Bay was so strong late on when beating him fair and square at Newmarket that this return to 1m6f should benefit Alan King's gelding enormously.

There have been plenty of Queen Mary upsets over the years, and we could see another this time courtesy of Kentucky Rain for Lemos de Souza. A daughter of St James's Palace runner-up Lucky Vega, Kentucky Rain was an unlucky loser on her debut at Goodwood, never getting clear sailing until it was too late. The way she flashed home for a second once the gap opened marked her down as a surefire future winner, and I expect her to reverse form with Pershaada, who was away and gone and held an experience edge. This time of the Goodwood race was strong. The O'Brien-trained Victorious has distinct claims, while others to consider in an open heat are juvenile King Karl Burke's pair Love A Giggle and Wild Blossom. 

This looks a strong Queen Mary. US challenger CELTIC DISPUTE impressed at Gulfstream, and she's a big filly with lots of scope.

For the final race of the festival, we have the longest one at nearly two and three-quarter miles–indeed, the longest run under Flat racing rules – and one of the best loved. With such an emphasis on stamina and with fewer out-and-out stayers in Flat yards nowadays, this race has become quite a battleground between the Flat trainers and the top jumps yards. 15 of the last 18 winners came from the first four in the market. In fact, the last three years have been won by the favourite, most recently Sober, who gave Willie Mullins his third win in the last five runnings of the race. The other two both going to Joseph O'Brien in 2023 and 2024.

As is tradition, Royal Ascot closes with the Flat season's longest race and many of these will be into unknown territory a good way from home. The glaring concern with last year's Gold Cup runner-up Illinois is the rotten run in the Coronation Cup only two weeks ago when his battery was flat from a worryingly early stage on rain-hit ground that shouldn't have bothered him. Le Destrier will be popular for Willie Mullins who is seeking a sixth win in the race, but his stablemate COLUMBUS is no less interesting when he is marginally the superior of the two on Flat form and geared up for this in a 2m4f hurdle race at Killarney that the yard's Sober took en route to winning this last year. The Irish would appear to be sitting pretty with Chester Cup hero A Piece Of Heaven - Joseph O'Brien's sole runner from an entry of five - also among their ranks, though French Master is hugely respected in his bid to go back-to-back at this meeting.

Introduced as part of Royal Ascot’s expanded programme in 2020, this five-furlong handicap for three-year-olds rated up to 105 has tended towards high-numbered stalls in the first six runnings. In 2020 6-4 favourite Art Power came out of stall 19 to win easily from Keep Busy (drawn 21); in 2021 the first four all came from the five highest berths (Significantly won from stall 24 at 10-1); and in 2022 five of the first six were from 21 or higher, although 5-1 winner Latin Lover came out of stall 11. The last three years have seen winners with slightly higher odds; Rhythm N Hooves (12-1), Pilgrim (18-1) and Adrestia (10-1) last year.

A spread of pace across the track, but the US speedball Bacio being drawn closest to the stands' rail could lead to a migration in that direction. Only subsequent prolific Group-race winner Art Power (2020) has taken this prize without previously contesting a handicap so Gold Digger and Westport, both leading market fancies, need to buck that trend. Andrew Balding's erratic but hugely talented Ghost Mode can go well dropped to 5f, while stablemate Simplify has strong claims despite a 5lb rise for her York second. Stargazed (third choice) shaped with considerable promise on her York reappearance and she still has a chance to live up to her illustrious sprinting pedigree but the two against the field are the hat-trick seekers Tricky Tel and JAZL. The former beat older horses in good style at Chester and should appreciate the stiff test at the trip but Jazl oozed quality when thumping 11 rivals at Leicester on his handicap debut. He drops in trip with a 10lb higher mark to contend with but that may underestimate his potential.

First run in 1860, this five-furlong contest is the fastest race of the week, usually completed in less than a minute. Price has been a good guide in this race despite only one favourite winning in the last twelve years, as eight winners were in the betting top three. The remaining three were Goldream (20/1) in 2015, Bradsell (14/1) in 2023, and American Dream (11/1) in last year's race.  

The Australian OVERPASS represents strong form in his home country and is taken to show he has the speed to cope with the return to 5f.

First run in 1834, this mile contest for three-year-old colts is the third Group 1 of the opening day and often features a clash between the Guineas combatants in Britain, France and Ireland. The preponderance of strong Guineas form means favourites have a good record, with 15 winning in the 25 runnings since 2000. No winner has been bigger than 10-1 in that period and only one (Circus Maximus) came from outside the top four in the betting. The last shock winner was Brief Truce at 25-1 in 1992. Last year Field Of Gold became the third horse in a row to win the St James’s Palace after the Irish 2000 Guineas, following Paddington and Rosallion.

It's a different day and different track but unbeaten BOW ECHO is taken to confirm 2,000 Guineas placings with Gstaad.

This Group 2 contest for older fillies and mares is run over the straight mile and was introduced in 2004 with the aim of encouraging connections to keep female runners in training beyond their three-year-old campaigns. In 2022, Saffron Beach became the sixth successful favourite or joint-favourite in the 21 runnings. Eight of the last 12 winners came from the top three in the betting.

The Goodwood race that saw Blue Bolt, Kon Tiki and Shes Perfect fill the first three placings last month looks sure to have a bearing on events, with all three holding solid claims, while Group 1 winner Friendly Soul (second choice) is likely to prove a formidable opponent too. However, this can go to French-trained GODSPEED, a Group 2 winner whose April reappearance signalled that she's set to kick on again this year. Paddy Twomey's Catalina Delcarpio also commands plenty of respect, while a big run should not be ruled out from her fellow Irish raider Snellen, who teams up with last year's Queen Anne-winning rider Mark Zahra.

First run in 1843, this is the first of the week’s heritage handicaps to feature a cavalry charge down the straight course, with 30 runners fanning out in the mile contest for three-year-olds and up. The market has been an unreliable guide, with eight of the 15 winners starting outside the top seven in the betting since Forgotten Voice was the winning favorite in 2009, Wild Tiger then won as joint favorite in 2024, followed by favourite My Cloud last year.

Returned to Royal Ascot and back in the big-field handicap scenario that may well be optimal, LA BOTTE (nap) is taken to gain compensation for being unlucky in last year's Britannia. Today looks the time to catch the selection, with circumstances in his favour and a resumption of progress conceivable. Jagged Edge, an Irish raider who looks the type to improve further, is second pick ahead of Linwood and Archivist, two other runners who bring good 1m stats. Indalo has strong credentials, as the early betting reflects, while Scoville is interesting assuming the wind surgery works a treat. It's difficult to be conclusive as regards the draw, with results changeable on the straight course here.

First run in 1862 and reduced in distance to a mile and a quarter on its revival in 1968, this Group 1 showpiece is often the top-ranked contest of Royal Ascot, based on the ratings of the first four finishers. In a sign that the cream rises to the top, only three of the 25 winners since 2000 were outside the top three in the betting. 

A thrilling clash between DARYZ and Ombudsman, with the French challenger taken to come out on top. The 4yo is the younger of the pair and, following his Arc win last October, he has confirmed his superstar status with impressive wins in two further Group 1s at Longchamp this season. Connections' Calandagan beat Ombudsman to win the Champion Stakes over C&D last October and Daryz can do likewise. Ombudsman should prove a very tough opponent, however, in a race that promises to be a gripping spectacle. Arc runner-up Minnie Hauk was disappointing in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh but could be involved if leaving that run behind, while Almaqam showed improved form to win that Group 1 contest by 2l and is not ruled out.

First run in 1919, this 1m4f highlight is the meeting’s premier race for middle-distance fillies from the Classic generation and often draws runners who have competed in the Oaks or at least the trials. Only one of the last nineteen winners was outside the top five in the market, with ten of them in the top two.

Musidora winner LEGACY LINK was a fine second in the Oaks 13 days ago and will be tough to beat provided today's outing does not come too soon after that hard race at Epsom. Gilded Prize was disappointing when losing her unbeaten record at Longchamp last month, but she looked an exciting prospect previously and this French raider is feared most. Earth Shot went very close in a Listed race at Goodwood last time and is open to further improvement, and she is next on the list ahead of Leopardstown maiden winner Johanna Walsh, who represents Oaks-winning combination Joseph O'Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Founded in 1807, this is one of the crown jewels of Royal Ascot and at two and a half miles is the premier staying race of the British Flat season. Fancied runners have an excellent record. Only three of the 26 winners since 2000 were outside the top four in the market, 17 were in the top two, and 14 were the favourite. 

23 horses have won this race more than once, and trainers Aidan O'Brien and John Gosden (now training in partnership with his son Thady) have been dominant, winning nine of the last twelve between them - including alternate races over the last four years.

The participation of last year's runaway winner Trawlerman was seemingly in doubt until very recently, so whether he returns in the same form is less assured. That has left Scandinavia as the short-priced favourite, representing another team which knows all about Gold Cup success, and his 2m Goodwood Cup win last summer augurs well for this extreme trip. Rahiebb has not raced beyond 14.5f, leaving him with more to prove, but he made up plenty of ground to run Scandinavia to a neck in the St Leger and should therefore have a big shout if he does stay this distance. Sweet William has twice taken minor Gold Cup honours but the new candidates may well prove more potent and this test could prove a particularly good fit for CABALLO DE MAR. A relentless improver for most of last season, he's twice proved himself on good to firm ground at Ascot and won two Group 1 races in France, while giving the impression that a stronger pace at this sort of trip can suit him well. He should be in very serious contention and gets the vote ahead of Scandinavia.

Dating back to 1834, this Group 2 over 1m4f for three-year-olds comes just under three weeks after the Derby at Epsom and was once officially called the Ascot Derby, as it still is colloquially, such is the close link between the races. Price is a good indicator for this one, 21 of the last 28 winners have been no bigger than 7-1, the last being Pyledriver at 18-1 in 2020. Since then, four of the five winners were the favourites (two of them at 11-10 odds), the one exception being Calandagan in 2024 who was still in the top three of the betting at 11-2. The favourite returned to winning ways a year ago with the 11-8 Amiloc. 

Causeway has much more experience and the best form but WATER TO WINE looks a tremendous prospect. The Gosden-trained selection faces far more of a test this time but is still preferred, such is the impression he made in his 1m3f maiden and novice wins. None of these runners have proved themselves at 1m4f but Water To Wine shapes as if he will relish it, while Aidan O'Brien seems confident that Causeway will stay and it's not hard to see why this reportedly lazy sort has the cheekpieces reinstated. Golden Story, Ancient Egypt and Venetian Prince all bring positives and are preferred in that order.

This 6f sprint for three-year-olds was introduced in 2015 with the aim of allowing them to compete at the top level against their contemporaries without having to take on older horses at such an early stage of the season. Fancied horses have done well, with four of the eleven winners going off as favourite, most recently Inisherin in 2024. No trainer has won the Commonwealth Cup more than once, last year Harry Eustace became the latest trainer to win it.

Last season's Group 1 Prix Morny winner VENETIAN SUN was seriously impressive when dropped back to 6f in the Group 2 Sandy Lane at Haydock last month and she can maintain her unbeaten record at sprint trips. Havana Hurricane won at last year's Royal meeting and could prove best of the rest on this return to a similar big-field scenario, having been a promising third at Newbury on his reappearance. The pacy and lightly raced filly Zanthos is an intriguing contender on her first crack at sprinting and is next on the list. Coppull and Division ran big races in the C&D Trial and could be involved, while Charles Darwin may also feature despite Ryan Moore looking elsewhere.

Founded to commemorate the crowning of Queen Victoria in 1838 and first run in 1840, this is the premier race for three-year-old fillies at Royal Ascot and, like the St James’s Palace Stakes for colts on day one, often features a clash between the major Guineas winners. Lake Victoria, Zarigana and Desert Flower all hold entries, and are the Irish, French and English Guineas winners, respectively. Since 2000, Fallen For You (2012) and Watch Me (2019) were the only winners who weren’t in the first four in the betting and the only ones sent off bigger than 8-1, until Cercene won a year ago at 33-1.

The two Ballydoyle contenders have won a Guineas each and, with PRECISE having beaten True Love in the Irish version last time, she can confirm her supremacy today. It will be no surprise if True Love poses a greater threat than at the Curragh, however. It could be a messy race run at a slow pace and by far the likeliest front-runner is German 1,000 Guineas winner Timeforshowcasing. The return to fast ground is a concern but she could nevertheless be an attractive each-way option if afforded an uncontested lead. Balantina is an interesting contender on her first outing since winning at the Breeders' Cup last October, while Sukanya and Touleen are others who could run well.

First run in 1879, this Group 2 race over 1m4f is for four-year-olds and upwards and often provides a showcase for horses who were in the Derby picture the previous year. The market has been a good guide recently, with 15 of the last 19 winners coming from the first three in the betting. Six of the eight successful favourites in that period were trained by Stoute or O’Brien. Last year's winner, Rebel's Romance, was one of the exceptions, being a 6-4 favourite but trained by Charlie Appleby.

Six Group/Grade 1 winners and a few progressive sorts are among the contestants in a deep Hardwicke. Kalpana (second pick) commands particular respect on favourable terms at a track that suits her well, but a strict line through West Wind Blows makes French colt BEST SECRET a plausible alternative, especially as he's still improving and remains unbeaten over today's distance. The selection's compatriot Goliath holds robust claims, while a peak-form Jan Brueghel would be a big threat and not many of others can be comfortably ruled out either.

Inaugurated in 1868 and long known as the Cork and Orrery Stakes, this has held Group 1 status since 2002 when it was renamed first to celebrate the golden jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. This is the big 6f sprint of the week for older horses (open only to four-year-olds and upwards since the advent of the Commonwealth Cup for three-year-olds). Since the race was upgraded to Group 1, 11 of the 24 winners were priced in double figures, with only five successful favourites. Khaadem won in consecutive years for Charlie Hills at massive prices. The first, 80-1 in 2023 and then 14-1 in 2024. These were outliers however, as last year's winner Lazzat made it seven winners in the last ten to be among the top three in the betting.

Leading Australian sprinter JOLIESTAR arrives following two Group 1 wins at Randwick in the spring and she is the selection ahead of last year's runner-up Satono Reve, who is another class act. Overpass was a fine third in the King Charles III Stakes over 5f here on Tuesday and, with the return to 6f a possible plus, he could also play a leading role. Regional has run extremely well on both his visits to Ascot and could prove an attractive each-way option at bigger odds. Comanche Brave and Lake Forest won in very taking fashion on their latest starts, while Almeraq is a dark horse who could have more left in the tank.

First run in 1840, the Queen Anne Stakes commemorates the monarch who established racing at Ascot and is the meeting’s top mile race for older horses (aged four and up). In 2024 Charyn was the ninth successful favourite in the previous 14 runnings. There have been a handful of upsets including Accidental Agent (33-1), Lord Glitters (14-1) and Triple Time (33-1) in 2018, 2019 and 2023. Docklands (14/1) joined that group last time out.

Charlie Appleby has had just one winner from 36 runners at Royal Ascot in the last three years but he holds a very strong hand in the 2026 opener, with Notable Speech and Opera Ballo heading this field on ratings. Those two big guns command major respect but another chance is given to ZEUS OLYMPIOS, who looked so promising last term and whose two efforts this season suggest it's well worth keeping the faith in him. The selection stepped up on his reappearance effort when running creditably in the Lockinge in his first Group 1 attempt and may be on his way to resuming the great progress he showed in 2025. More Thunder (second choice) has very solid claims and is unexposed over 1m, while last year's winner and course specialist Docklands is also firmly in the mix.

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes Tips

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes Handicap Tips and Predictions

All Races tips