Norfolk 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 (Fillies' Handicap)

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 (Fillies' Handicap)

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

Golden Gates Stakes

Queen Alexandra Stakes (Gbbplus Race)

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

Norfolk Stakes tips and predictions from our horse racing experts for the opening race on day 3 of Royal Ascot 2026.

The Norfolk Stakes is a Group 2 contest run over 5f. It takes place at 14:30 on Thursday 18th June, which is the third 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 Norfolk Stakes on day three 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 Norfolk Stakes odds comparison comes in handy.

Norfolk Stakes Betting Odds Comparison 2026

Norfolk Stakes Tips - Royal Ascot 2026

Charles Darwin confirmed himself as one of the best juveniles around with a dominant display in the Norfolk Stakes. Sent off the 8-13 favourite, Ryan Moore’s mount was prominent throughout and quickened up smartly to win by two and a quarter lengths. Aidan O’Brien’s two-year-old was rated the best winner of the Norfolk in the past ten years. Godolphin’s Wise Approach and US raider Sandal’s Song filled the places

<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;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:14281427},&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-textstyleruns="">The Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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.

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.

Charles Darwin looks the obvious starting point given he has won his last two starts in good style and is the one to beat on RPRs. However, the form of neither race has received a significant boost and he may not be left alone in front, so might be worth taking on at the likely short odds. Naval Light is interesting given the similarities with last year's winner Shareholder for the same connections, even though unlike his stablemate he didn't make a winning debut at Beverley, while Afjan and Sandal's Song, winners of their only starts in France and the US respectively, are also worth a second look. Wise Approach could well figure if the return to this venue reinvigorates him, but the vote goes to FIRST LEGION who won well on his York debut before finishing runner-up in the National Stakes, in which things didn't entirely go his way. The maiden Exclamation could go well at a big price.

<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" data-sheets-root="1" data-sheets-baot="1">
<colgroup>
<col width="100" />
<col width="166" />
<col width="100" />
<col width="100" />
<col width="100" />
<col width="183" />
<col width="120" /></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>Charles Darwin [15]</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>8/13F</td>
<td>A P O’Brien</td>
<td>Ryan Moore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024</td>
<td>Shareholder [4]</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>12-1</td>
<td>Karl Burke</td>
<td>James Doyle</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023</td>
<td>Valiant Force [5]</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>150/1</td>
<td>Adrian Murray</td>
<td>Rossa Ryan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022</td>
<td>The Ridler [2]</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>50/1</td>
<td>Richard Fahey</td>
<td>Paul Hanagan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2021</td>
<td>Perfect Power [10]</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>14-1</td>
<td>Richard Fahey</td>
<td>Paul Hanagan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2020</td>
<td>The Lir Jet [1]</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>9/2</td>
<td>Michael Bell</td>
<td>Oisin Murphy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2019</td>
<td>A’Ali [9]</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>5/1</td>
<td>Simon Crisford</td>
<td>Frankie Dettori</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2018</td>
<td>Shang Shang Shang [4]</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>8-12</td>
<td>5/1</td>
<td>Wesley A Ward</td>
<td>Joel Rosario</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2017</td>
<td>Sioux Nation [2]</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>14/1</td>
<td>A P O’Brien</td>
<td>Ryan Moore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2016</td>
<td>Prince Of Lir [10]</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>8/1</td>
<td>Robert Cowell</td>
<td>Luke Morris</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Latest odds for the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot 2026.

Norfolk Stakes Odds

Key trends
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Won within last two starts, 8/10</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Top-three finish last time, 8/10 (six won last time out)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Adjusted RPR of at least 100, 7/10</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Beaten on debut, 6/10 (all exceptions once-raced winners)</li>
</ul>
Other factors
Six winners had scored over 5f.
Six fillies have run in the last decade, finishing 901560.

Norfolk Stakes tips from our racing experts for the 14:30 race on the third day of Royal Ascot 2026.

Norfolk Stakes Tips

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

Norfolk 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.

This race has had its share of surprises over the years but as things stand MORE THUNDER has a good chance of proving suited by this thorough test at 6f and improving on the highly promising start he's made for this yard. Solid claims are held by Jarraaf (second choice) who looked better the further he went when winning both his C&D handicaps last summer. Aramram, touched off by More Thunder at Newmarket early last month, has won at Newbury since and can also be involved, along with Zoum Zoum who appeals as a sprinter with more to offer. Completely Random is capable of putting a recent hiccup behind him, while Orazio can never be safely left out on this track and Germanic has a chance on his AW form.

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.

A mark of 104 demands a very smart performance but the way RAINBOWS EDGE saw off Arisaig (who should also go well again) on her C&D reappearance suggests she might be capable of it. Like the selection, Sky Safari has a progressive profile and her strong-travelling style should lend itself to this sort of race so she's second choice. Another low-mileage sort who appeals is Arolla, who made an encouraging reappearance in a 7f Musselburgh Listed race recently and promises to be at least as effective back at 1m. One who could go well at likely bigger odds is Arisaig's stablemate Francophone.

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.

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.

Ethical Diamond (second choice) is hooded this time round and should settle better than when he took fourth in this race last year, hitting the front rank briefly just inside the final furlong. Stressfree, French Duke and Mount Atlas hold clear each-way prospects but preference is for HAND OF GOD who grabbed the 3yo handicap over 1m2f at this meeting last year. He did that in hugely authoritative fashion and his rather muted show seven weeks ago came after a 315-day absence, so that can hopefully be forgiven. Almosh'her may be raw but he brings the most potential, while Naqeeb and Auld Toon Loon hold interest among the bigger prices.

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. 

As usual in a Royal Ascot 2yo race, plenty of the runners bring major potential. The suggestion is IPANEMA QUEEN who, despite being "only 75%" ready according to her trainer's assistant, proved clear best in a big field at the Curragh and seems open to any amount of progress. Second choice is Fitzella, the only contender who already has course form. Venetian Sun (third choice) is an interesting prospect for her notable connections, while closely matched Signora and Green Sense bring Group form and Gold Digger is a significant breeze-up purchase who could prove up to this level. Not many of the others can be comfortably ruled out.

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.

It would be easy to harbour reservations about TABITI when she has top weight and hasn't been seen since October, but that last sighting was in a Group 1 on ground too soft and she made light work of this season's impressive Group 3 Nell Gwyn heroine Zanzoun when winning a maiden on a fast surface last August. There's a strong suspicion that this Kingman filly is better than a handicapper, and she might just be a class above these. Last year's winner Soprano improved enormously for stepping up to 1m and the same could be true of second choice Bountiful who represents the same connections. Supermodel is seemingly the Haggas first string but stablemate Purple Rainbow could lurk on a dangerous mark, one she might have blown had underfoot conditions been suitable when she was taken out of a Listed race 12 days ago on account of soft ground. Mojave River also catches the eye.

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 that's full of lightly raced individuals about whom the handicapper remains in the dark as to their true capabilities. As interesting as any is PAROLE D'ORO, who may have been saved for this since narrowly failing to give 2lb to Teroomm at Thirsk in April. The winner franked that form in a big way when following up in the always-strong Silver Bowl, and yet the selection looked his superior for a large part of their encounter, only for a lack of match sharpness to deprive him when it mattered. Teroomm naturally has to be feared, though second choice is The Fingal Raven who is that bit more battle-hardened than many in here and came up against the 2,000 Guineas winner in March on his final run at Meydan. He's been absent since but his trainer has won the Royal Hunt Cup with a seasonal debutant. Others of interest, and not the only ones, are Afentiko, Raafedd, Shout, Brave Mission, Consolidation and La Botte.

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.

Godolphin colt TREANMOR has stacks of potential and is taken to follow up his impressive Newmarket win. Moments Of Joy (second choice) and Humidity have strong credentials and they look the biggest dangers to the selection.

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.

Last year's victor Haatem was treading a familiar path for Jersey winners in dropping in distance and grade from a Guineas run, and California Dreamer arrives with a similar profile after her fine second in the Irish 1,000. She makes the shortlist along with the unbeaten Remmooz and the fast-improving Spy Chief, but the most compelling claims are held by COMANCHE BRAVE (nap), whose dam Ishvana won this race in 2012. Promising runs in a Group 3 and the Irish 2,000 Guineas lay a solid foundation for Comanche Brave's 3yo campaign and this progressive colt now looks ready to strike. The lightly raced and unexposed Saracen may pose the main threat.

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.

High draws have firmly had the call in previous editions and SERAPH GABRIEL from stall 16 is a strong candidate this time round, bringing a battling spirit and plenty of potential on his step up from 1m. He's far from the only promising runner, of course, among these mostly lightly raced 3yos and it's the hat-trick seeking Irish challenger Fantazy Man who is second on the list. El Burhan is greatly feared if he can find a way through from his lower stall, while Sallaal and Aurel may prove best of the handicap newcomers.

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.

US challenger TOUGH CRITIC deserves considerable credit for winning on his debut at Keeneland, having been detached in the back straight, and trainer George Weaver knows what it takes to win a 2yo race at Royal Ascot. He earns the vote ahead of Utmost Respect who also ran really well in the face of adversity on his debut when runner-up at York. Leicester winner Shaman Champion is next on the list ahead of Rogue Supremacy, who also scored impressively on his debut. Old Is Gold and Rogue Legend can also go well.


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.

Aidan O'Brien runs three, with Ryan Moore taking the ride on Serious Contender, and they have to be respected, of course, but the trainer has won this race only once, in 2019, and there is so much potential among the rest of this field. Ralph Beckett sent out the winner in 2021 and 2024 and he may well come up trumps again, this time with SING US A SONG whose Sandown win looked such an encouraging preparation. He has stall 17 but lots of winners of this race have come from high draws. Gunship caught the eye behind the selection at Sandown and is feared most, with Masai Moon and Merchant completing the shortlist.

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.

Detain and Trinity College possess the best form having finished third and fourth (with just a head between them) in the 18-runner Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly 18 days ago. However, the first six finished in a heap, which hints that the standard they set isn't insurmountable if there are improvers lurking. JACKKNIFE very much appeals as a likely improver now he's up in trip, having stayed on strongly for third once in the clear in a 1m Listed race at Sandown last time, and this half-brother to the stable's 1m4f Group 1 Coronation Cup winner Defoe earns the vote. High Stock is another twice-raced contender who should have an extremely bright future and he is second choice on the back of his Listed second 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).

The fitting of cheekpieces for last year's easy winner English Oak suggests he may not have been hiding his light under a bushel for handicapping purposes, but if they have the right effect he would have a major chance. Never So Brave did very well to get as close as he did to Myal at Chester (where Holguin ran a blinder in third) and although his hard-pulling tendencies raise some doubts back on this stiff, straight track, he's still the second choice. The vote, however, goes to GLENEAGLE BAY who excelled himself in the Victoria Cup here in May, when the race did not go entirely his way, and looks to have a good prize in him. Akkadian Thunder and Oliver Show also make some appeal, while those stalwarts Billyjoh and Northern Express could well find themselves in the thick of it again..

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.

Aidan O'Brien's prolific success in the Queen's Vase ensures that Shackleton and Scandinavia are accorded plenty of respect but several other runners look at least as appealing judged strictly on racecourse performance. Devil's Advocate is unlikely to get away with showing quite so much dash as he did in the Dante but that result brings him clearly the highest rating in this field, while Pinhole (second choice) looked a work in progress in the Chester Vase when, as it turned out later, he was severely up against it anyway taking on the Derby principals. The best option of all, however, may well be the French challenger ASMARANI, who faces different ground conditions but is one of those to have acquitted himself with credit already at Group level and who also brings unmistakable pointers to a strength in stamina.


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.

Founded in honour of the consort of King George V and first run in 1921, this five-furlong dash is the premier race at the meeting restricted to two-year-old fillies – the only other of that ilk is the Albany Stakes, which is run over six furlongs on Friday and is a step lower than this Group 2. Ten of the last fifteen winners were in the top three in the betting, five of which were the favourite - including last year's winner True Love. It is worth noting that four of the longer-priced winners came from northern stables, including 2024 winner Leovanni (22-1) for Karl Burke.

With only one winner exiting a single-figure box in the last decade, being drawn mid to high has provided a notable edge. The Queen Mary has so far eluded Aidan O'Brien, but he has been talking up the chances of TRUE LOVE who was outstayed by a smart colt over Navan's stiff 6f last time. This filly, like so many from her yard, looks nailed on to progress with racing. US raider Lennilu (second choice) looked the real deal in how she went about her business at Gulfstream, and compatriot Crimson Advocate was similarly impressive in that same race en route to taking this two years ago. Zelaina was the talk of Nottingham ahead of her stylish debut and bids to make it three Queen Marys in four years for Karl Burke, whose Love Olivia could also be interesting if ridden with greater patience than at York. Also on the shortlist is Cardiff By The Sea who, for a debutante, ran a mighty race at Naas when giving Norfolk favourite Charles Darwin something to think about. The booking of Oisin Murphy raises expectations further. Staya, Spicy Marg, Revival Power and, at greater odds Solana Rose, are others to bear in mind.

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.

Royal Ascot draws to a close with the Flat season's longest race and, with so many unproven over anything like this far, there could be some huffing and puffing up the straight. One who should see it out is SOBER, who was a classy stayer for Andre Fabre and a winner over 2m4f on his hurdling debut for Willie Mullins. Ryan Moore has been aboard for three of the yard's four Queen Alexandra winners. Horses have won this after strenuous exertions earlier in the week and second choice Samui was strong through the line in Tuesday's Copper Horse Stakes over 1m6f. Trooper Bisdee has a lot on at the weights but he'd probably gallop all day and should give each-way optimists a run for their money. Against Dallas Star and Wild Waves is that no 4yo has won this since 2008, and neither would appear to be crying out for this extreme test of stamina.

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.

There are no prizes for observing that the most interesting contender, and by some way, is William Haggas's Realign. In the mix against smart horses as a 2yo, he didn't come out of second gear to beat modest opposition by daylight on his Salisbury return. He comes here in preference to the Commonwealth Cup and there is surely mileage in his mark but this is his first crack at 5f and the best pace looks to be middle to high, so stall 9 may not be ideal. The search for an alternative isn't an easy one but Adrestia still has potential, Redorange is improving all the time and Miss Lamai and Maw Lam provide their owner with a strong two-pronged attack. If there is a dark one it could be ZAYER, who failed to live up to market billing on his reappearance then caught the eye with some good late headway in a hot all-aged sprint at York. Cheekpieces could unlock 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.  

It would be just great to see the 2024 winner Asfoora do herself justice once more and the hope is that the return of blinkers, which were a help last year, will see her put this year's efforts behind her. However, this looks a stronger version than that in 2024, and also than last year's when American Affair won from Frost At Dawn, and OVERPASS is taken to carry on the proud tradition of Australian sprinters at the Royal meeting. This stiff 5f shouldn't be a problem, and he may in fact relish it, having run so well for a long way in the world's most valuable turf race, the Everest, last October. Rayevka still has some hidden firepower to reveal over 5f and she can be the main danger ahead of Mission Central who has impressed in Listed races this year. Night Raider showed he can hoard his abundant speed when coming from off the pace to win at Haydock but this more demanding track will ask a different question. Rumstar was close behind him at Newmarket in the spring and is also worth a look, while Frost At Dawn also has a good run in her among those at big prices.

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.

Being one of the best 2,000 Guineas winners this century and still improving, the unbeaten BOW ECHO should plausibly have the class to overcome a possible steady gallop, especially as his bright young rider Billy Loughnane will be wise to such tactical considerations. A different day, different track, different race-shape and solid record of steady progress combine to give Gstaad (second choice) a conceivable fighting chance in his rematch with the selection, although whether he can reverse the placings is another matter. Puerto Rico should go well from the front but making all seems unlikely unless some of today's rivals underperform. Talk Of New York is far from certain to get the strong pace that suited him so well in the Heron Stakes but he's otherwise a very promising colt.

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 Gosdens have two interesting contenders in Running Lion, who won this race last year, and Crimson Advocate, who has done well since being reinvented as a miler and should be capable of better still at this trip. Last year's Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Fallen Angel (second choice) could be a big factor on her drop back in class, while One Look enters the reckoning after her close second in a similar race at the Curragh last month. However, the vote goes to Charlie Appleby's progressive filly CINDERELLA'S DREAM, who was unlucky at the Breeders' Cup last autumn and returned to Britain with a smooth win in a Group 2 at Newmarket last month. She improved her record to 7-10 with that emphatic success and is a major player again under a 3lb penalty.

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.

Highly progressive My Cloud has Royal Hunt Cup written all over him and certainly commands major respect, as the early betting reflects. However, TONY MONTANA looks a particularly interesting alternative with his sole 1m attempt being a very notable piece of form and the belated return to this trip well worth exploring. The selection's new stablemate Greek Order (second choice) returns to British racing off a workable mark and could resume his progress, while The Liffey is still unexposed, Bullet Point is still improving and Tokenomics has good credentials.


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. 

Continuous making the early running in front of his stablemate Los Angeles may provide the early shape of the race, and they'll surely want to make it a stiff test at the trip, but there are four serious candidates to cut down Los Angeles in the closing stages. See The Fire is one of them, following her revelatory performance at York, while the upwardly mobile pair Map Of Stars (second choice) and Ombudsman can prove that they are a force at this level. It's the C&D Champion Stakes winner ANMAAT, however, who has done most to suggest that he can outspeed his rivals where it matters.

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.

The stables of Aidan O'Brien and John and Thady Gosden are responsible for six of the 11 runners and one of them will become the winningmost yard in the race if they land this today for a sixth time. O'Brien saddles three and Ryan Moore rides Garden Of Eden (second choice) who improved for the step up to 10.3f to win a Listed race at Naas last time, in the process shaping as though she could be even better at 1m4f. However, preference is for her stablemate ECSTATIC, who didn't get the breaks at Newbury last time and could also have untapped potential now she's tackling 1m4f, with her dam Magic Wand having won this race in 2018. The Gosden-trained Life Is Beautiful was second in a hot-looking Listed race at Newmarket last time, and Musidora runner-up Serenity Prayer could be another major player up in trip. Catalina Delcarpio has the potential to rate higher.

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.

Trawlerman looks a fine standard bearer for the older generations, having produced a mighty effort against Kyprios 12 months ago, but he now comes face to face with two four-year-olds of mouthwatering potential. Kyprios has recently been retired but it's easy to think that stablemate Illinois could step up in trip to be yet another Gold Cup winner for Aidan O'Brien. He's shown his class in a hatful of big races. Preference, however, is for a rival who has done so only once, such is the impression which CANDELARI (nap) has made in France. Stamina looks his strong suit but he brings significant potential too, having made his debut little more than six months ago.

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. 

The highly regarded ZAHRANN still looked a work in progress when winning a Listed race at Leopardstown 15 days ago and appeals as a type who could have plenty more to offer. He earns the vote ahead of Nightwalker, who caught the eye when staying on for fifth in the Dante and may not have handled Epsom when down the field in the Derby. The unbeaten Amiloc is greatly respected on the back of his 4l Listed win at Goodwood, while Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master is also firmly in the mix and Wimbledon Hawkeye could be involved, too.

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.

Jonquil and Shadow Of Light have been placed in 1m Classics and may well have the necessary speed to transfer that very classy form to sprinting, particularly 2,000 Guineas third Shadow Of Light who is strongly respected. However, this could go to US challenger SHISOSPICY, who has bundles of pace and impressed when powering clear in a Grade 3 at Churchill Downs last month. Shadow Of Light is second choice, with last year's Queen Mary winner Leovanni next on the list following her encouraging comeback at Haydock. Naas Group 3 winner Babouche and French Listed winner Rayevka could also be involved, while outsider Lady With The Lamp should be suited by the big-field scenario.

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.

This is a slightly substandard Coronation Stakes, judged on the figures, but some of the main contenders have the potential to rate higher still, particularly the unbeaten fillies FALAKEYAH and Kon Tiki who head the shortlist. The selection is hugely promising and should be suited by the trip given her exuberance over further last time, while the second choice is improving very nicely. French runner Zarigana sets the standard as things stand and accordingly warrants major respect, while January and Exactly give Aidan O'Brien a solid-looking hand.

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.

Rebel's Romance holds leading claims having won four Group or Grade 1 races over 1m4f last year but preference is for another class act in GHOSTWRITER, who was bought by Amo Racing for £2,000,000 at the Goffs London Sale on Monday. He is attempting this trip for the first time but his dam won over 1m4f and he possesses some strong Group 1 form, having been the only one to get anywhere near to City Of Troy and Calandagan in last August's Juddmonte International at York. Last season's Eclipse runner-up Al Riffa is another who could play a major role.

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.

A fascinating race featuring form from top-level races across the globe. Ka Ying Rising, the best sprinter in the world, isn't here but SATONO REVE finished second to the Hong Kong phenomenon in the Group 1 Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin in April and is taken to become the first Japanese-trained winner at Royal Ascot. Last season's commanding Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Lazzat is another exciting contender and he is feared most ahead of Topgear, who has looked extremely good in 7f Group races on his last two starts. Inisherin, Storm Boy and Flora Of Bermuda could also be involved, while Annaf has an eyecatching record here and in big fields and is a very interesting outsider.

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.

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