It’s time for the fanciest, fabulous and glamorous week of the year. Royal Ascot returns for the midsummer event of the season. Some big names take to the track to battle it out in front of royalty, dignitaries and punters alike. Who is today’s NAP? Find out below.
Down The Royal River
NAP: Jersey Stakes (Group Three) – River Tiber @ 13/8 (Unibet, Boylesports)
This year’s Jersey Stakes looks a very nice renewal. Haatem, recently purchased by high-flying Wathnan, drops grades and a furlong here. But I think River Tiber will suit over the specialist trip. He finished a good third behind Rosallion in the Irish 2000 Guineas, of which he backed up nicely on Tuesday. Another big plus for River Tiber is the fact that a few of last year’s Royal Ascot winners have won again this week and River Tiber can follow that trend for the evergreen duo of O’Brien and Moore.
History Repeating
E/W Bet: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Khaadem @ 20/1 (William Hill)
Dr Jim Hay said that both of his horses will run well in this race. Particularly Khaadem, who shocked Royal Ascot at 80/1. A few things haven’t gone right for him since. His run on firm ground was too short over five furlongs, and his runs over six haven’t come on the rattling ground he wants. Today, it’s déjà vu for Khaadem and the market haven’t caught on to it. Pace-wise, he looks like he’s on the wrong side, but he still can’t be ignored at a big price when conditions are in his favour.
Three For The Sprint
Handicap Best: Wokingham Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – Harry Three @ 9/1 (Unibet)
Pace is everything in the Wokingham. And much like the Jubilee, it looks like the far side is where you want to be. Yet the better handicapped horses are over on the other side so it makes it a bit difficult when picking a horse in the shorter odds to back. Harry Three seems the better handicapped of the principles. In 2022 he achieved a hattrick of wins from May to July, but came unstuck on the worser ground towards the end of the season. He’s back on firm ground today and has dropped an astonishing six pounds in just two runs.
Unequal Love sits where the pace is and comes into this race on a decent patch of form. She won her last handicap race at Pontefract before going into open company and winning at Newmarket at the start of the season. She didn’t run too badly at Group Two level at the Curragh last time out and drops back into handicap company. And, she can manage all types of ground which makes her value at 16/1 (Boylesports).
Desert Cop is still relatively unexposed on firm ground. He has only one run on the fast ground in a big field handicap at Newmarket with a big weight on his back. He wasn’t great over seven furlongs last time, and has a note of inconsistency about him. He’s over on the far side, which makes him near the pace and has a nice weight on his back. Long shot of the race at 25/1 (Unibet).
Selections:
14:30 – Chesham Stakes (Listed) – Bedtime Story @ 15/8 (William Hill)
15:05 – Hardwicke Stakes (Group Two) – Continuous @ 2/1 (Unibet), Isle Of Jura e/w @ 12/1 (Unibet)
15:45 – Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Shartash @ 7/1 (Boylesports), Washington Heights e/w @ 12/1 (General), KHAADEM (E/W) @ 20/1 (William Hill)
16:25 – Jersey Stakes (Group Three) – RIVER TIBER (NAP) @ 13/8 (Unibet, Boylesports)
17:05 – Wokingham Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – HARRY THREE (HB) @ 9/1 (Unibet), Unequal Love e/w @ 16/1 (Boylesports), Desert Cop e/w @ 25/1 (Unibet)
17:40 – Golden Gates Stakes – Old Faithful @ 13/2 (Unibet, Betfred), Approval e/w @ 15/2 (Unibet, Betfred), Dambuster 14/1 e/w (General)
18:15 – Queen Alexandra Stakes – Queenstown @ 3/1 (General), Uxmal e/w @ 7/1 (General)
Best of Luck!
Royal Ascot 2026: in-depth tips, trends and odds
Royal Ascot is as much a form study as a spectacle; this companion piece explains how to interpret the pages above and make informed race-day choices. This guide is editorial in nature and intended for readers aged 18 and over.
How to read form, pace maps and race trends
Start with the recent form of each runner and compare class, trip and ground to the race on the day. Look for consistent patterns such as improvement on firm ground or repeated strong finishing speed over similar distances.
Interpreting going reports and ground conditions
Going reports are vital at Ascot where firm or soft surfaces dramatically change race dynamics and suitability. Compare a horse’s best performances to the expected going rather than relying solely on raw ratings.
Evaluating trainers, jockeys and stable form lines
Top trainers and in-form jockeys bring valuable angles, but consider recent stable winners and how they perform at Ascot’s unique track. Form lines often reveal which stables are peaking and which riders know how to negotiate this course.
Spotting value bets without chasing short odds
Value is about price versus probability; identify runners whose conditions and form suggest a higher chance than the market implies. Avoid pushing stakes on short prices and instead look for each-way or small single opportunities that match your analysis.
Bankroll planning and responsible staking strategies
Decide a staking plan before the card and stick to units or percentage stakes to limit losses and volatility. Betting should be budgeted entertainment: never wager more than you can afford to lose and seek help if gambling causes harm.
Using bookmaker offers and comparing free bet terms
Bookmaker promotions can add value but always read qualifying rules, minimum odds and wagering requirements before using offers. Use a comparison tool to check the terms and pick deals that align with your betting style.
In-running tactics and when to take a price
In-running markets move fast; know a horse’s likely run style and be ready to act if the pace suits a late finisher or a front-runner looks vulnerable. Set limit orders with bookmakers when available to avoid chasing moves in panic.
How to follow form live at the track or on TV
Observe draw and race heat-up behaviour for last-minute clues and watch how horses warm up immediately before the off. Live tracking and commentator insight help, but keep decisions measured and avoid emotional staking.
Using past Ascot form to inform future choices
Past performance at Ascot is a reliable pointer because the track exposes specific attributes like straight-line speed and an ability to handle cambers. Horses with prior Ascot experience or wins over the same distance often handle the course better than debutants.
When to back favourites and when to seek outsiders
Favourites are often safe in class but offer limited value; consider backing them when form and conditions strongly support them. Conversely, back outsiders when there is a clear reason the market has overlooked a horse’s suitability to the day’s conditions.
Checklist for race-day selection: a quick reference
Before placing a bet, check going, draw, pace map, recent form and any late veterinary or jockey changes. Confirm bookmaker terms and staking limits and decide whether a bet is for value, fun or portfolio balance.
Responsible gambling and support resources for bettors
Gambling should be for entertainment and is only for those aged 18 or over; set deposit and time limits and never chase losses. If you feel betting is becoming a problem, contact GamCare, GamStop or your preferred support organisation for confidential advice.
Practical tips for following our Ascot selections
Use the selections above as a starting point for your own research and combine them with live odds and bookmaker comparisons. You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly.
Compare our recommended bookmakers and their current free bet offers.
See our affiliated casino partners and their welcome bonus offers for new customers.
Can I follow Royal Ascot tips responsibly?
Yes. All editorial tips are for information and entertainment for people aged 18 and over, and you should only bet within your means.
What is the best way to compare bookmaker free bets?
Use a comparison table to check minimum odds, wagering rules and expiry dates to ensure the offer suits your betting plan.
How should I size my stake for Royal Ascot races?
Decide on a unit size or percentage of your bankroll and remain consistent; avoid increasing stakes after losses or big wins.
Are any Royal Ascot selections guaranteed to win?
No. Horse racing is unpredictable and no selection should be considered guaranteed; always bet responsibly and within your budget.
How do going and weather affect sprint races at Ascot?
Firm ground tends to favour speedsters while softer conditions can benefit those who finish strongly; check going reports before betting.
Where can I view up-to-date race cards and form guides?
Official racecards, bookmaker markets and dedicated form guides provide the latest declarations, rider changes and form lines for each race.
Who should I contact about responsible gambling support?
If you have concerns, contact GamCare, GamStop or a similar UK support service for confidential help and self-exclusion options; betting is for 18+ only.
