Royal Ascot 2022 preview: international runners to watch
How overseas contenders shape the week at Ascot
The biggest race meeting on the calendar has arrived!
Royal Ascot 2022 looks like it could be vintage year. Not only is the weather set fair for the coming days with the going likely good to firm, this particular edition will have more Grade 1 races and a greater international flavour than ever before, as horses in bigger numbers from all four corners of the globe assemble in Berkshire.
As the star rides from the United States, Australia, Japan and France make the pilgrimage, here at BestofBets we have taken a look at the favourites outside of the British and Irish stock who could make an impression over the coming week.
To begin, American hopes are high of a very happy trip across the Pond and the biggest draw will be Golden Pal.
Trained by 12-time Royal Ascot winner Wesley Ward, the speed sensation should take like a duck to water with the conditions this week. Winner of both the Breeders’ Cup Sprint senior and Juvenile races in the last two years, Golden Pal is familiar with Ascot and came second in the 2020 Norfolk Stakes.
With dual hopes in both the Kings Stand and Platinum Jubilee Stakes, it is the Kings race on opening day over 5f where his raw speed could be telling. Billed as Golden Pal versus Australian strong hoper Nature Strip, the sprint will surely be a highlight of the meeting and Golden Pal may have the edge.
Ward’s second strong shot of a 13th win on the Berkshire flats comes in a marquee Platinum Jubilee Stakes with a real international flavour. Ireland’s Ascot regular Campanelle will look to win at the royal meeting for the third year on the bounce after victories in the Queen Mary and 12 months ago in the Commonwealth.
This time around going for glory in the marquee Platinum Jubilee, it will be a predominantly US v Australia potential winning field again.
Whilst both Golden Pal and Nature Strip could also be in the running once more, New Zealand trainer Chris Waller’s other big ride for Australia – Nature Strip’s stablemate – Home Affairs, will likely go off as favourite – holding at 4/1 for the moment. Saturday’s main event has all the ingredients to be an absolute show-stealer over 6f.
Of the other hopes from the other side of the Atlantic, the Coronation Stakes could supply and looks like another fascinating global contest.
Bobby Flay’s Pizza Bianca we have already tipped as an outsider at 16/1 but Christophe Clement could have competition from Cambridge trainer Graham Motion, who will hope Spendarella can remain unbeaten in only her fourth race at a slightly shorter 12/1 in the market with William Hill.
One other multinational chance of note, former NBA star Tony Parker will also be eyeing Ascot Glory on 10/1 French filly Mangoustine.
Japanese hopes, meanwhile, look better than ever after a breakthrough 12 months with jockey Cristian Demuro winning the Arc, further Asian success highlighted by a stunning show at Meydan back in March, when rides from the Land of the Rising Sun took victory in four of eight races on Dubai World Cup evening.
Looking to this week’s event as their best chance yet to pick up their first win at Royal Ascot, Shahryar is being backed by many in Wednesday’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes over 1m2f at 7/2 with Bet365, Betfair and PaddyPower.
Aside from his run in the UAE, Hideaki Fujiwara’s 4yo has won half of his races entered. The only note of caution here should be that his win at Meydan was his only entry this year, however that could yet work as an advantage.
Shahryar will have stiff competition with current 11/8f Bay Bridge but in a field of just five this colt could finally bring home a win.
Japan’s other main interest lies with Shahryar’s stablemate Grenadier Guards. Going in the stacked Jubilee Stakes to take on the Americans and Australians amongst other, this particular colt of the legendary Frankel has the pedigree to spark at Royal Ascot but must overcome lofty odds.
American sprinters to monitor in the big sprints
Golden Pal is the headline act for American speed but the United States always sends a handful of fresh, fast types suited to Ascot’s sharp straight course. These horses are often trained to peak for big international targets and can upset domestic form lines.
When assessing US sprinters consider their experience on straight tracks and their recent runs at similar distances. Travel arrangements, quarantine changes and jockey bookings are practical factors that can influence performance.
Australian entries and their Ascot prospects
Australia brings a depth of sprinting and mile talent, often carrying a reputation for speed and toughness that suits Ascot’s undulating straight. Trainers like Chris Waller and others travel selectively, aiming the best at the races that match their horses’ strengths.
Look at how Australian runners have performed on fast ground and whether they have experience outside the southern hemisphere. Seasonal timing and acclimatisation to UK conditions can both be decisive.
Japanese challengers seeking a Royal Ascot breakthrough
Japan’s recent surge on the global stage is built on meticulous placement and strong stayers and milers. Horses such as Shahryar and Grenadier Guards embody that strategic approach and often arrive with strong form lines from top-class domestic races.
Form depth, the frequency of runnings this year and ground preference are key indicators for Japanese runners. A single prep run abroad can be a positive or a negative depending on fitness and race rhythm.
Other international hopefuls and outsider chances
Beyond the major nations, look out for French, American, Australian and even New Zealand raiders who can take shorter-priced or bigger outsider roles. Names like Mangoustine and Pizza Bianca show the meeting’s truly international entries.
Outsiders can be value plays in open handicaps or in conditions races where proven ability on similar tracks is scarce. Assess trainers’ past Ascot record and jockey experience on the course.
Form indicators to consider for sprint races
Recent finishing speed and sectional times are particularly valuable when judging sprinters. Look for consistent top-three finishes at the required distance and weight conditions.
Track bias and draw patterns at Ascot can change year to year, so consult up-to-date racecards and racecourse notices. Small margins often separate the protagonists in 5f and 6f sprints.
How ground and weather affect international runners
Going descriptions such as good to firm will suit speedier types from Australasia and the USA, while horses from Japan sometimes prefer a little give underfoot. It is sensible to check latest ground reports on race day.
Trainers travelling horses will often state a preference for certain ground in their declarations; that guidance should be factored into assessments. Heavy rain can alter race shape and render some overseas chances less likely.
Betting guidance and responsible staking advice
Treat betting as entertainment and plan stakes within an affordable budget you can afford to lose. Always check terms for bookmaker promotions and be aware of differing odds across markets.
You must be 18 or over to bet in the UK and gamble responsibly at all times. If betting, consider comparing bookmaker prices and free bet offers through our comparison tools, but never chase losses or stake beyond your means.
Race-by-race practical notes for punters and readers
Kings Stand and Platinum Jubilee day sprints require close analysis of early pace and stall positions. Horses drawn wide may have to overcome more ground, while early leaders on Ascot’s straight can gain a decisive advantage.
Middle distance contests such as the Prince of Wales’s favour larger stamina-laden types with a turn of foot at the finish. Watch for those proven at Group 1 level or with form against older horses.
How to interpret international form lines and ratings
International form needs contextual translation; a Group 1 in Japan or Australia carries weight but the race shape and field depth differ. Compare ratings and seek out direct form lines where horses have matched against familiar rivals.
Weight-for-age allowances, apprentice claims and penalties all modify the nominal form and should be accounted for. Live market moves and trainer comments can reveal confidence or caution before race day.
Practical tips on following Ascot racing live and online
Follow declarations and non-runners as short-priced favourites can be withdrawn and markets reshaped. Live race replays and pace maps help build a picture of how Ascot’s course plays across the week.
Use reputable sources for streaming and timing data and remember bookmaker commentary is informational. If using affiliate links, treat them as a convenience for comparing offers rather than an endorsement to stake.
Frequently asked questions on Ascot international entries
Q: Can international horses win at Royal Ascot? Yes, overseas horses regularly win at Royal Ascot, but each runner must be assessed on form, ground preference and travel fitness.
Q: How should I judge a Japanese runner with limited UK runs? Look at the quality of the races they have won, recent form this season and whether they have run on similar ground elsewhere.
Q: Are sprint races harder to predict with foreign runners? Sprint races can be more open due to pace variables, so consider sectionals, starting stalls and proven straight-track ability.
Q: Where can I compare bookmaker odds and offers for Ascot? You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly and are 18 or over.
Q: What stake management should I use at a big meeting? Use small, consistent stakes relative to your bankroll and avoid staking plans that increase exposure after losses.
Q: How important is draw bias at Ascot for international runners? Draw bias is important, especially in sprints; check recent race trends and stall statistics before placing a selection.
Q: Are free bets and sign-up offers worth using for Ascot? Free bets can provide value when used sensibly, but always read terms and avoid staking more than you can afford to lose.
Q: Where can I get help if gambling becomes a problem? If you are concerned about your or someone else’s gambling, contact organisations such as GamCare or Gamblers Anonymous for support.
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