Royal Ascot Day Five (Sat 21st June 2025 )

Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £141,775 12 runners 1m3f211y Good To Firm ITV (STALLS Inside)

 

race conditions  £250,000 guaranteed For  4yo+ Weights  colts & geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st Entries  18 pay £2,500 Penalty value  1st  £141,775.00 2nd  £53,750.00 3rd  £26,900.00 4th  £13,400.00 5th  £6,725.00 6th  £3,375.00 

 

12 Runners declared for good looking G2 contest on fast ground .

 

The likable 7-Y-0 Gelding REBELS ROMANCE is 5lb clear on offical ratings, having won 7 times in group one company. Clearly the one to beat on form, though only just scrambled home in Yorkshire Cup last time over 1M 6F last time .The Charlie Appleby stable are struggling for winners this week at Ascot (0 out 10) .So not for me at around 5-2 .

 

AL RIFFA looks interesting in first time blinkers, had some decent form last season, including finishing second in the Eclipse behind City Of Troy .Finished creditable third in 1M 2F G2 Neom Turf  Cup in February behind Shin Emperor. Will be suited returning to 12 furlongs. Solid each-way claims at around 5-1 or bigger .

 

SPACE LEGEND looks best of the rest, ran well in G2 company last season, including finishing 5L second in this race last year behind Calandagan .Place claims .

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VERDICT : (1) AL RIFFA (2) REBELS ROMANCE (3) SPACE LEGEND 

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Jersey Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £85,065 15 runners 7f Good To Firm ITV (STALLS Centre)

 

race conditions  £150,000 guaranteed For  3yo Weights  colts & geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st Penalties  after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Group 3 race 3lb; of a Group 1 or Group 2 race 5lb Entries  26 pay £1,500 Penalty value  1st  £85,065.00 2nd  £32,250.00 3rd  £16,140.00 4th  £8,040.00 5th  £4,035.00 6th  £2,025.00 

 

15 Runners declared for 7 furlong Jersey Stakes  

 

The Donnacha O'Brien trained COMANCHE BRAVE , should go well returning to 7 furlongs after finishing fair fifth in Irish 2000 Guineas last time , had previously finished good second to French 2000 guineas winner Henri Mateste in the Red Rocks stakes over this trip. Will be suited returning to G3 company with Ryan Moore booked for first time .Odds 4-1 or above look fair value .

 

The main danger looks to be Andrew Balding trained MAVELMAN , has shown progressive form this season , including finishing good second in listed company in King Charles 11 stakes at Newmarket last time, behind the Irish 2000 guineas runner up  Cosmic Year . Looks open to further improvement .

 

Of the others Irish 1000 guineas runner up CALIFORNIA DREAMS is consistent sort, no match for Lake Victoria last time , though drop back to 7 furlongs should suit, not best win record (1 out 11) though fair place claims in this lesser race .

 

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VERDICT : (1) COMANCHE BRAVE (2) MAVELMAN (3) CALIFORNIA DREAMS 

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ROYAL ASCOT DAY FIVE SELECTIONS

AL RIFFA 3.05 HARDWICKE STAKES

1PT EACH-WAY @ 5-1 BET365

1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 

(SECOND SP 4-1 LEVEL ) 

 

COMANCHE BRAVE 4.20 JERSEY STAKES 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 9-2 BET365

1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 

(THIRD SP 11-4 LOSS 0.05 ) 

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1/4 PT EACH-WAY DOUBLE @ 32-1 BET365 

(SECOND & THIRD PROFIT +0.45 )

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Royal Ascot Day One Preview Tue 17th June 2025

Day One at Royal Ascot, the best quality card of the week , featuring three group one races and group two Coventry Stakes .

Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £450,065 11 runners 1m Good ITV

race conditions  £750,000 guaranteed For  4yo+         Weights  colts & geldings 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 13lb Allowances  Southern Hemisphere 4yo 1lb pay £3,285 Penalty value  1st  £450,064.73 2nd  £170,629.38 3rd  £85,394.05 4th  £42,538.30 5th  £21,348.51 6th  £10,713.94 

 

JBB FORM RATINGS : (1) 

 

Interesting contest with the first four home in the Lockinge stakes, all set to renew rivalry in this top class group one mile contest. I'm hoping today is a lucky one, as after the racing its good to relax a touch and visit https://au.crazyvegas.com/online-pokies for a go on the slots. A great way to sit back with a rum and coke and a bit of casino action.  

 

The Richard Hannon trained 4-Y-0 colt ROSALLION has been put in clear favourite at around 11-4.Won five of his 8 starts, including winning the G1 St James Palace Stakes here at Royal Ascot last year.Made promising reappearance in Lockinge stakes at Newbury last month, finishing 2.5L third behind Lead Artist.Should improve for his first run of the season, though looks short enough in market in such strong race.

 

Lockinge winner LEAD  ARTIST , should go well for new combination Colin Keane & John & Thady Gosden, landed big gamble at Newbury last time 25-1 into 17-2, beating three of todays rivals.All his best form has been on fast ground over mile , including winning Lockinge & Thoroughbred stakes over the trip .Will be suited by this stiff straight mile .Solid each-way claims at 5-1 or above , especially with bookmakers paying 4 places .

 

2024 Guineas winner NOTABLE SPEECH  can't be ruled out on his best form , finished fair fourth in Lockinge stakes on his reappearance last month, had some useful form last season ,including winning 2000 guineas at Newmarket & Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, though was well beaten in St James Palace stakes at Royal Ascot last year behind Rosallion .

 

DANCING GEMINI  has been in great form this season, winning twice and finishing close second in Lockinge , though seemed to just get outstayed in closing stages at Newbury. This stiffer track and fast ground not sure to suit.All his winning form been on easier ground .

 

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VERDICT : (1) LEAD ARTIST (2) ROSALLION (3) NOTABLE SPEECH 

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King Charles III Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) (3yo+) Winner £411,573 23 runners 5f Good ITV (STALLS Centre)

 

race conditions  £725,750 guaranteed For  3yo+. Weights  3yo colts & geldings 9st 1lb; fillies 8st 12lb; 4yo+ colts & geldings 9st 7lb; fillies 9st 4lb Weight for age  3yo from 4yo+ 6lb pay £2,845 Penalty value  1st  £411,572.82 2nd  £156,036.24 3rd  £78,090.70 4th  £38,900.20 5th  £19,522.68 6th  £9,797.63 

 

JBB FORM RATINGS :

 

Last Years winner ASFOORA has to be respected returning to Ascot, won G3 contest in Australia in April , though was bit disappointing in group one company last time over 6f at , finishing seventh of 14.The return to this stiff five furlongs should suit, though hasn't had prep race in Uk this year .Runs in first time blinkers .

 

At the prices the consistent 7-Y-0 gelding REGIONAL should go well at decent odds, finished good second last year, just lengh behind Asfoora. Made promising return in April finishing close third in G1 Al Quoz at Meydan behind Believing .Looks well drawn in stall 17 , high drawn numbers often favoured in big field sprints at Ascot on fast ground.Goes well fresh, Solid win & place claims at 8-1 or bigger .

 

Of the others AL Quoz winner BELIEVING  has to be respected with Ryan Moore booked , ran some excellent races last season , including finishing second in Nunthorpe at York & third in Prix De l 'Abbaye at Longchamp, though has yet to fire at Ascot in three starts, finishing only fourth in this race last year.Stall one also looks negative . 

 

Former French trained mare MGHEERA  looks best of the rest, has shown improved form this season since switching to Ed Walker stable , winning both starts , including winning the G2 Temple Stakes at Haydock last time. Has bit to find on official rating , though looks open to further improvement.

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VERDICT : (1) REGIONAL (2) ASFOORA (3) MGHEERA 

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St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (Colts) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £368,615 7 runners 7f213y Good To Firm ITV (STALLS Inside)

 

race conditions  £650,000 guaranteed For 3yo colts:Weigh ts  9st 2lb pay £2,845 Penalty value  1st  £368,615.00 2nd  £139,750.00 3rd  £69,940.00 4th  £34,840.00 5th  £17,485.00 6th  £8,775.00 

 

FIELD OF GOLD  will be difficult to beat, looked unlucky loser in 2000 Guineas when given lot to do, made no mistake in Irish Guineas when winning impressively at Curragh under Colin Keane, can reverse form with Ruling Court.This stiffer track will suit .As expected bookmakers are not giving much away at top price 4/5 . NO BET RACE . 

 

2000 Guineas winner RULING COURT, looks the only danger, though looked fortunate winner at Newmarket, getting first run  though can chase home Field Of Gold  . 

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VERDICT : (1) FIELD OF GOLD (2) RULING COURT 

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Wolferton Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £68,052 16 runners 1m1f212y Good To Firm ITV (STALLS Inside)

 

race conditions  £120,000 guaranteed For  4yo+ which have not won a Group 1 or Group 2 Pattern race after August 31st, 2024 Weights  colts & geldings 9st 5lb; fillies 9st Penalties  after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Listed race 3lb; of a Group 3 race 5lb Entries  30 pay £600 Penalty value  1st  £68,052.00 2nd  £25,800.00 3rd  £12,912.00 4th  £6,432.00 5th  £3,228.00 6th  £1,620.00 

 

16 runners go to post for competitive listed contest over 10 furlongs for Wolferton Stakes .

 

 The four-year-old Harry Charlton Gelding KINGS GAMBIT  looks intresting taking drop in class, had some decent form last season , including finishing good second in G3 Hampton Court stakes over C&D at Royal Ascot last year .Also finished creditable second in G2 Sky Bet stakes at York behind Alflaila.Will need bounce back after poor run last time in Aston Park Stakes, though was too free in first time blinkers ,though the return to 10 furlongs with no headgear will suit .Odds around 9-1 look fair win & place value. 

 

Last years second HAUNTED DREAM can't be ruled out, ran career best last time finishing excellent fourth in G2 Neom Cup at Riyadh behind the useful Japanese colt Shin Emperor last time .Goes well fresh on fast ground, place claims at around 14-1 

 

ENFJAAR  has been put in clear favourite at around 9-2, showed progressive form last season winning twice in handicap company, though ran his best race when finishing second to Persica in listed company at Ayr .Only fifth in G3 company on reapperance at Sanown, though should improve for that run for stable that has good record in the race .

 

Of the others Jersey Stakes winner HAATEM, had some useful form in better company last season over 7 & 8 furlongs, obvious claims if staying this trip though far from certain to stay 10 furlongs on pedigree .

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VERDICT : (1) KINGS GAMBIT (2) HAUNTED DREAM (3) ENFJAAR

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ROYAL ASCOT DAY ONE SELECTIONS :

 

LEAD ARTIST 2.30 QUEEN ANNE STAKES 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 5-1 PADDY POWER (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 )  

(UNPLACED SP 4-1 LOSS 2.00 PTS )

 

REGIONAL 3.40 KING CHARLES 111 STAKES 

1PT WIN @ BSP 12.25 

1PT TOP 5 FINISH BSP 2.14

(THIRD SP 9-1 PROFIT +0.14 

 

KINGS GAMBIT 5.35 WOLFERTON STAKES 

1PT  EACH-WAY @ 7-1 BETVICTOR (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 )

(THIRD SP 4-1 PROFIT+ 0.40 PTS) 

Royal Ascot History

Over its 300-year history, Ascot has established itself as a national institution, with Royal Ascot being the centrepiece of the British summer social calendar.^[1]

The racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne. When out riding from Windsor Castle, she came upon an area of open heath that looked, in her words, 'ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch'.^[2] Her plans for a new race meeting were subsequently announced in The London Gazette of 12 July 1711. 

That first meeting was held on 11 August 1711, the original date (and a race scheduled for 6 August) having been postponed for reasons unspecified, although it has been speculated that the course was simply not ready.^[4] The Queen and a "brilliant suite"^[4] drove from Windsor Castle to witness it, with the first race being a seven horse £50 plate, won by a horse called Doctor owned by the Duke of St Albans.^[4] The original racecourse was laid out by William Lowen for the first meet.^[2]

Queen Anne's gift to racing, founding the Royal Racecourse, is marked by the tradition of opening Royal Ascot with The Queen Anne Stakes run over the straight mile. 

Royal Ascot evolved from the first four-day race meeting held at Ascot in 1768, although the meeting as it is known today only really started to take shape with the introduction of The Gold Cup in 1807.^[17] Until 1939, Royal Ascot was the only race meeting held at the racecourse. The Gold Cup remains the feature race of the third day of Royal Ascot, traditionally the busiest day of the week. During the racecourse's redevelopment in 2005, the Royal Meeting was held at York Racecourse. 

Each of the five days of Royal Ascot begins with the Royal Procession at 2pm, when the monarch and other members of the royal family arrive down the straight mile in the royal Landaus, accompanied by the playing of the National Anthem and the raising of the Royal Standard. This tradition was started in 1825 by George IV. 

Royal Ascot is Britain's most valuable race meeting, with millions of pounds in prize money (just over £10 million in 2025 ).^[18] About 500 horses race across the five days. Eighteen Group races, eight of them Group 1, are staged each year, and are broadcast to audiences in almost 200 territories around the world.

Epsom Derby Preview Saturday 7th June 2025

Betfred Derby (In Honour Of His Highness Aga Khan Iv) (Group 1) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £909,628 19 runners 1m4f6y Good ITV

race conditions  £1,500,000 guaranteed For  3yo colts & fillies NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including 31 May merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will not be eligible. Weights  colts 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 13lb pay £3,000 Penalty value  1st  £909,628.40 2nd  £344,860.00 3rd  £172,590.40 4th  £85,974.40 5th  £43,147.60 6th  £21,654.00 

 

19 runners declared for the Epsom Derby, the biggest field since 20003 when Kris Kin came home first of the 20 runners .Ground conditions are likely to be good/soft or softer With further showers forecast .

 

Aidan O'Brien seeks a record-extending 11th victory in the £1.5 million contest with three chances, Delacroix, The Lion In Winter and Lambourn

Ryan Moore will ride Delacroix, with Colin Keane partnering The Lion In Winter and Wayne Lordan aboard Lambourn. The draw was made at 11am on Wednesday with Delacroix in stall 14, Ruling Court in seven, Pride Of Arras in 16 and The Lion In Winter widest of all in 19.

Last month's 2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court bids for a Classic double at Epsom, while Dante winner Pride Of Arras will look to provide a first Derby success for trainer Ralph Beckett, who also saddles Stanhope Gardens .

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2000 Guineas winner RULING COURT  is clear on official BHA ratings on 121, after winning strong  Guineas at Newmarket last month, that looked decent form with second Field Of Gold winning Irish 2000 Guineas next time, though hasn't looked short of speed ,winning both starts at mile this season.There has to be big question mark of staying this half-mile longer trip at Epsom. Not for me with big stamina doubts,especially with more rain forecast .

The unbeaten PRIDE OF ARRAS  should go well for Ralph Beckett & Rossa Ryan, after winning the Dante Stakes in good style at York last month, that looked decent effort on only his second start,beating Damysus and the reliable 110 rated Wimbledon Hawkeye. Looks open to further improvement over this longer trip with trainer Ralph Beckett reporting the horse likely to take big step forward after his Dante victory.Unraced on ground worse than good ,though has soft ground pedigree. Odds 5-1 or above look solid value.

DELACROIX  looks the pick of the Aidan O'Brien three runners, after winning twice at Leopardstown this season, including the Cashel Palace Derby trial in good style last month ,though that didn't look the strongest race, run in slow time.Has Yet to finish outside the first two in seven starts, though the Dubawi colt needs prove his stamina over this longer trip in strongly run race .

Former Ante Post favourite THE LION IN WINTER is difficult to weigh up after finishing disappointing sixth in Dante Stakes,though Can't be ruled out on his useful two-year-old form, has been  weak in market with Ryan Moore preferring Delacroix,will need bounce back over this longer trip .

Chester Vase winner LAMBOURN is one the few guaranteed stayers in the field, needing every yard of 1M 4F trip at Chester to beat Lazy Griff , had previously finished staying on second to Delacroix in 10F Ballysax Stakes in March .Will be staying on in closing stages.Further rain will suit .Place claims .

Of the others the John & Thady Gosden trained DAMYSUS looks the most interesting after finishing promising second in Dante behind Pride Of Arros, staying on nicely in closing stages after having wide trip.The Frankel colt looks open to further improvement over this longer trip on only his third start. Place claims .

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VERDICT:  

1ST : PRIDE OF ARRAS 

2ND : DELACROIX 

3RD : DAMYSUS 

4TH : LAMBOURN

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RECOMMENDED BET : PRIDE OF ARRAS 3.30 EPSOM DERBY 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 5-1 OR BIGGER WITH FIRMS PAYING 4 PLACES 

(UNPLACED SP 4-1) LOSS -2.00 PTS )

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FULL RESULT : 

1ST LAMBOURN 13-2 

2ND LAZY GRITH 50-1

3RD TENNESSE STUD 28-1

4TH NEW GROUND 50-1  

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Epsom Derby History

The Derby Stakes, also known as the Derby or the Epsom Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in England open to three-year-old colts and fillies. It is run at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey on the first Saturday of June each year, over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and 10 yards (2,423 metres), or about 1½ miles.^[1] It was first run in 1780. 

It is Britain's richest flat horse race, and the most prestigious of the five Classics. It is sometimes referred to as the "Blue Riband" of the turf. The race serves as the middle leg of the historically significant Triple Crown of British horse racing, preceded by the 2000 Guineas and followed by the St Leger, although the feat of winning all three is rarely attempted in the modern era due to changing priorities in racing and breeding, and the demands it places on horses. 

The name "Derby" (deriving from the sponsorship of the Earl of Derby) has been borrowed many times, notably by the Kentucky Derby in the United States, and to describe many other key racing and sporting events. The term "Epsom Derby" is often used in the United States and elsewhere, in order to differentiate The Derby from other races such as the Irish Derby or German Derby.^[2] The Derby run at Epsom is usually referred to as "the Derby" in Great Britain. It is one of Britain's great national sporting events^[3] and has a large worldwide TV audience.^[4]

 Initially, the Derby was run on a Thursday in late May or early June, depending on when Easter occurred. In 1838 the race was moved to a Wednesday to fit in with the railways' timetables, but still followed the moveable feast of Easter. In the 20th century, the race was run mainly on a Wednesday in late May or early June until 1994, after which it was changed to a Saturday in early June.^[8] From 1915 to 1918 (during World War I), it was on a Tuesday, with the race's latest ever date being 31 July 1917.^[9] From 1942 to 1945 (during World War II), 1947 to 1950, and in 1953, the race was run on a Saturday.^[7] From 1969 to 1994, it was on the first Wednesday in June. From 2003 to at least 2022, it has been on the first Saturday in June, apart from a race on 4 July 2020 without spectators, owing to COVID-19.

^{DERBY STAKES RECORDS} 

WINNING TRAINERS

10 wins (2001-2024) Aidan O’Brien

WINNING JOCKEYS

9 wins (1954-1983) Lester Piggott

FASTEST TIMES  

2 min. 31.33 sec. WORKFORCE 2010

WINNING DISTANCE LONGEST 

10 lengths SHERGAR 1981

LONGEST PRICED WINNERS

(100-1  JEDDAH 1898)(100-1 SIGNORINETTA 1908) (100-1 ABOYEUR 1913)

SHORTEST PRICED WINNERS 

(2-9 LADAS 1894) 

FIELD LARGEST 

34 – 1862

FIELD SMALLEST 

4 – 1794

FAVOURITES TO £10 WIN LEVEL STAKE (Joint favourites , stakes divided )

1780 – 1829        -£25.54

1830 – 1879        -£29.17

1880 – 1929         -£5.25

1930 – 1979     +£194.66

1980 – 2024        -£16.85

TOTAL + £117.85 

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(2025 Epsom Derby preview will be posted on Thursday 5th June 2025 )