Some day one selections for the 2026 Royal meeting.
- 14:30: Docklands (6/1)
- 15:05: Great Barrier Reef (13/2) E/W (4 places)
- 15:40: Overpass (3/1)
- 16:20: Gstaad (9/4)
- 17:00: Puturhandstogether (13/2)
- 17:35: Haatem (8/1) E/W (4 places)
- 18:10: Valiancy (2/1)
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14:30 Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)
Charlie Appleby has had just one winner from 36 runners at Royal Ascot in the last three years, which means it may be worth taking on Notable Speech and Opera Ballo in the opening race of the week at Royal Ascot.
The presence of Opera Ballo should ensure there’s a decent pace on in the mile contest, and that may help last year’s winner Docklands, who boasts an excellent C&D record (11322214).
The six-year-old won the group one contest by a narrow margin last year, but that was only after his rider had dropped the whip over 1f from home.
A listed winner at Doncaster in March before an excellent effort in the Champions Mile at Shatin, Docklands looks set to run another huge Ascot race.
Selection: Docklands (6/1)
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15:05 Coventry Stakes (Group 2)
The first two-year-old race of the week threw up a star last year as Gstaad won the 6f contest. Aidan O’Brien’s chances of following up appear strong with the top two in the market being trained by the Ballydoyle maestro.
O’Brien bids for a twelfth win in the race with Ryan Moore opting to ride Confucius, who clocked a fast time when winning at Naas and commands major respect. However, it’s Wayne Lordan’s mount, Great Barrier Reef who boasts the stronger form having followed up on a debut success at the Curragh by taking the Group 3 Marble Hill last time out.
Given Karl Burke’s record with two-year-old’s in recent years, Ruler’s Pride is most feared after a taking debut win at Ayr.
Selection: Great Barrier Reef (13/2) E/W (4 places)
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15:40 King Charles III Stakes (Group 1)
It’s tough to see 2024 winner Asfoora hitting the heights of the past, but Australia could still have a big say in this with Overpass making the trip from down under. His excellent effort in last year’s Everest, where he only weakened in the closing stages, sets the benchmark here.
Still relatively unexposed over 5f, the natural front-runner could prove difficult to reel in now dropping back in trip on Ascot’s demanding straight course.
Selection: Overpass (3/1)
16:20 St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1)
It’s difficult to get away from the top two in the market, Bow Echo and Gstaad, who filled the first two spots in the 2000 Guineas in May. Since then, Gstaad has come out an won the Irish version in fine fashion to set up a mouthwatering rematch.
There is the possibility for a rather steady gallop, which may not suit the unbeaten Bow Echo. Team tactics could also come into play with Aidan O’Brien also running Puerto Rico.
A different day, a different track and a potentially different race setup, combined with his consistent progression profile, give Gstaad every chance of turning the tables in this eagerly anticipated sequel.
Selection: Gstaad (9/4)
17:00 Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
13 of this year’s runners represent Irish stables. Joseph O’Brien has seven of them, including he impressive 2025 Irish Cesarewitch winner Puturhandstogether, a talented hurdler. Speaking of the jumps boys, Willie Mullins will be hoping for more luck in running this time around with Reaching High, who was denied a clear run to the line when a beaten favourite last year. The positive is he’s off an untouched mark. The concern, this is his first start since.
Continuing the national hunt theme, last year’s winning trainer, Henry de Bromhead’s runs Tim Toe, a winner at Listowel just 16 days ago.
A tricky contest set to be dominated by Irish jumps stables, but having blown the start at Chester, Puturhandstogether could bounce back here in first-time cheekpieces.
Selection: Puturhandstogether (13/2)
17:35 Wolferton Stakes (Listed)
Nahraan lost his unbeaten record at Longchamp last time, but he finished behind the Japanese star Croix Du Nord and subsequent Arc winner Daryz. The concerns are a lack of a recent run and the fact that he’s never raced on ground this fast, but the form speaks for itself.
Haatem loves it here, as do his owners Wathnan, and while he was a below-par seventh on Goodwood reappearance 25 days ago, this has presumably been the target for last year’s winner, who can follow up again.
Selection: Haatem (8/1) E/W (4 places)
18:10 Copper Horse Stakes (Handicap)
It could be a good end to the day for Wathnan Racing with Valiancy having been all the rage for weeks among ante-post punters. Confidence was further boosted when James Doyle opted for the William Haggas-trained four-year-old ahead of the other two entries for the owners.
Valiancy attacks this race seeking a hat-trick after wins at Haydock and Hamilton, having overcome trouble to win at the Scottish track.
Selection: Valiancy (2/1)
