Royal Ascot is seen by many as the biggest week in the flat racing calendar, 300,000 racegoers regularly flock to Berkshire for their five-day meeting – which sees the best races run over distances ranging from five furlongs to over two and a half miles.
Royal Ascot is relatively unique in having a global appeal amongst racing fans, and with over £8 million in prize money to compete for, it often attracts runners and trainers from around the world. This year’s meeting starts on June 15th, and concludes on June 19th, with 36 races scheduled over that period – including no fewer than eight Group 1 contests.
And although there might be more valuable meetings, none is as fashionable as Royal Ascot, which is set to feature some of its usual glitz and glamour this year after a subdued five days behind closed doors in 2020 as Palace Pier, Battaash and Stradivarius could be among the headline acts.
The track received good news after it was announced a crowd of 12,000 will be able to attend each day as it was selected as one of the government’s pilot events for June.
For those lucky enough to attend, traditional morning dress is mandatory for men in the Royal Enclosure, where formal daywear for women is required.
Things are slightly more relaxed in the Queen Anne Enclosure, but men must wear a collared shirt and tie with a full-length suit, while women should dress “in a manner as befits a formal occasion”.
Ahead of next week, some of the leading bookmakers have revealed their biggest liabilities.
Betfair
Barry Orr: “The ever-improving Lady Bowthorpe in the Duke of Cambridge (3,40, Wednesday) is one of our biggest liabilities on the Sportsbook. Her second to Palace Pier in the Lockinge marked her out as a Royal Ascot hottie. She is 9-4 favourite and is sure to go off short.
“On the Exchange, there’s been £7k matched in the Queen Anne (2.30, Tuesday) and £6k of it is on Palace Pier. From a high of 3.2 (9-4) for £110 to his current price of 1.53 (8-15).”
Coral
David Stevens: “As always ahead of these big meetings, our ante-post positions will be dwarfed by the money we take each day, but as things stand three horses catch the eye. We went 6-4 about Palace Pier for the Queen Anne (2.30, Tuesday) immediately following his Lockinge win, and his odds have contracted all the way down to the current 1-2, with many punters clearly regarding him as the banker of the week.”
Elsewhere, his stablemate Lord North has been popular for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (4.20, Wednesday) and is favourite to win the race again, while Kaufymaker has been a recent market mover for the Coventry Stakes (3.05, Tuesday) following an upbeat report from trainer Wesley Ward, and is now the clear 4-1 market leader, having been installed in the betting at 8-1.”
Ladbrokes
Nicola McGeady: “The biggest liability is Tim Easterby’s Winter Power in the King’s Stand Stakes (3.40, Tuesday). After winning at York last month, he’s been subject to plenty of support and is one we could do with getting turned over.
“Punters haven’t forgotten how impressive Subjectivist was in the Dubai Gold Cup and have sided with him over Royal Ascot hero Stradivarius in the Gold Cup (4.20, Thursday).
“Further down the list in the Wokingham betting is Bielsa (5.00, Saturday). At 14-1 there is plenty to like about him and punters reckon Kevin Ryan can land the Wokingham again.”
Paddy Power
Paul Binfield: “Supremacy in the Commonwealth Cup (3.40, Friday) is currently our biggest Royal Ascot loser despite a disappointing comeback in the Pavilion Stakes at the same venue in April.
“However, it’s fair to say that punters seem to be forgiving him that performance and an impressive victory in the Richmond Stakes and an extremely game success in the top-class Middle Park Stakes as a two-year-old would appear to give him every chance next week.”
Sky Bet
Michael Shinners: “Stradivarius (4.20, Ascot) is a standing dish at the royal meeting and the combination of Dettori and Gosden has proved very popular with our customers. Immediately after last year’s race he was 4-1 and was slightly bigger again after his defeat on Champions Day, but after success at his beloved Ascot in the Sagaro Stakes he is now trading at around even money.
“Battaash (3.40, Tuesday) is another whose price has contracted over the past few months. He was 4-1 with ourselves back in April and is now 15-8, which is still proving appealing to punters and Flotus (2.30, Friday) was introduced into the Albany betting at 5-1 after bolting up at Goodwood last month. She has been extremely popular and is easily the best-backed horse in the two-year-old races.”
Best of Bets: Sports-Specific Betting Guides
From Royal Ascot to global football and Grand Slams, smart betting starts with understanding each sport’s unique markets, data and rhythms. Use this expert guide to sharpen your selections and get more from the offers promoted across Best of Bets.
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How to bet smarter across major UK sports
Different sports reward different approaches, so the best staking, market selection and timing vary by event, season and schedule. This guide breaks down core markets, strategy cues and practical checklists for the most popular sports.
Combine the insights below with disciplined bankroll management and the independent bookmaker reviews available on Best of Bets. When you spot value, take it quickly and compare prices through our partners to maximise potential returns.
Horse racing guide: Royal Ascot and beyond
Flat and jumps racing offer deep form lines, pace dynamics and track biases, with Royal Ascot the premier test for speed, class and temperament. Know the going, draw, likely run style and place terms before you bet.
Each-way strategy depends on field size, race type and the extra places some firms promote. Ante-post prices can be appealing, but final declarations, ground changes and draw can swing the market, so time your entry with care.
Key racing markets and each-way strategies
Win-only is most efficient when you strongly fancy a runner in fields with compressed place terms, whereas each-way shines in large, competitive handicaps or when enhanced places are available. Shop around through our banners, because extra places and price boosts vary by bookmaker and race.
Aim each-way at horses with consistent speed figures, favourable draws and a clear run-style edge that can keep them in the frame. Avoid chasing long shots purely for place terms if the runner’s profile lacks evidence of competitiveness at the class and trip.
Reading form, speed figures and track biases
Prioritise recent runs at similar trip and class, watching for improving profiles and stable form upticks. Supplement that with speed figures and sectional times to identify horses who can cope with likely pace scenarios.
Track biases can be seasonal or day-specific, especially on straight courses where one side draws better, so re-check how earlier races played. At Royal Ascot, monitor stand-side versus far-side trends and adapt quickly if rain alters the surface.
Using offers, boosts and extra places wisely
Enhanced place terms are powerful in big-field handicaps, but ensure the reduced price still offers value versus the true win probability. Consider placing a portion of your stake win-only with the best odds and the rest each-way where extra places apply.
Price boosts on headline horses can be attractive if you already rate them as value at the original line. Filter boosts through your tissue prices, and remember that staking should reflect risk, not the size of the promotion.
Football betting guide: leagues, cups, specials
Football markets are efficient at the top level, so target edges from team news, travel, fixture congestion and underlying metrics like xG and chance quality. Consider Asian handicaps and totals to express your view precisely.
In-play betting rewards speed and discipline, but avoid chasing quick swings after red cards or penalties. If you build accumulators, keep legs low, target correlated edges cautiously, and compare odds via our partner bookmakers before you lock in.
Core markets: 1X2, Asian lines and totals
1X2 prices are often tight, so many value-seekers use Asian handicaps to back or oppose teams at more efficient prices and with push protection. Totals (over/under) can offer value when weather, pitch, or line-up changes affect game tempo.
Learn key Asian line notations (0, -0.25, +0.75, etc.) and quantify how your projected scoreline maps to each line’s break-even percentage. Place bets where your modelled edge clears the margin, and line-shop across our listed operators.
Reading xG, schedules and injury information
Use rolling xG for and against to spot teams buoyed by finishing variance versus those creating sustainable chances. Cross-check for injuries, suspensions and rotation amid domestic and European schedules.
Heavy travel or three matches in eight days can depress output, especially for high-press teams. Downgrade sides missing ball-progressing midfielders, as chance volume often falls more than the market expects.
In-play discipline and accumulator risk control
Set pre-match triggers for in-play entry, such as lines to back if a favourite trails but dominates xG, or if a red card distorts the price beyond your model. Keep a strict stop-loss and avoid doubling stakes to chase earlier outcomes.
For multiples, prefer a small number of well-priced legs, and consider mixing markets (handicap plus totals) to reflect your edge rather than pure match results. Check our banners for Acca Insurance or profit boosts, and read terms carefully.
Tennis betting guide: slams, tours and markets
Surface, altitude and weather drive serve/return dynamics, so a player’s hold-break profile and style matchup matter more than rank alone. Five-set men’s matches reduce variance at Slams, whereas best-of-three on tour can produce prices that swing quickly.
Fatigue and travel between continents can erode movement-heavy players more than big servers. Monitor withdrawals and medical timeouts, and be cautious about recency bias after marathon matches.
Surfaces, hold-break stats and matchup styles
Grass rewards first-strike tennis and servebots, clay favours grinders and heavy topspin, and hard courts sit in between with speed variations. Compare both players’ hold and break percentages on the current surface over the last 12 months.
Look for exploitable asymmetries, such as a dominant returner facing a vulnerable second serve, or a left-hander attacking a weak backhand wing. In-play, expect shorter break streaks on grass and longer, momentum-heavy patches on clay.
Tournament levels and travel fatigue effects
Smaller events can see favourites underperform due to motivation or quick turnarounds from bigger tournaments, increasing upset potential. Conversely, top seeds often sharpen for Slams, making early-round handicaps attractive at the right lines.
Altitude and humidity influence ball speed and endurance; players with average serve gains may spike at altitude. If travel is brutal, downgrade those with limited recovery windows, and verify line moves reflect true fitness news.
Cricket betting guide: Tests, ODIs and T20s
Formats shape risk profiles, with Tests rewarding patience and conditions knowledge, while T20s swing on powerplay momentum and death overs execution. Read pitch and weather first, then overlay team composition and roles.
The toss can tilt outcomes, but it’s only one input; avoid overreacting when the underlying XI and pitch show different edges. Player markets can be rich if you understand usage patterns, batting order and bowling spells.
Pitch reports, weather and toss-weighted edges
Dry, worn surfaces aid spin later; green tops and cloud cover can help seam early, and dew influences T20 chases. Align your bet with the most likely innings conditions rather than headline narratives.
Price in toss impact more in day-night matches and when dew forecasts are strong. For in-play, reassess par scores after powerplays, and be flexible if the pitch behaves differently from pre-match expectations.
Player form: strike rates, economy and roles
Back openers with aggressive powerplay profiles in T20s and middle-order anchors in tricky conditions, adjusting for boundary sizes. In bowler markets, favour new-ball specialists on seaming tracks and death-over experts where yorkers limit scoring.
Recent form matters, but weigh it against sample size and opposition quality. If a promotion moves a batter up the order, the market may lag on top-run-scorer prices, creating short-term value.
Golf betting guide: opens, majors and matchups
Course fit and strokes-gained profiles drive most edges, with links golf and windy majors favouring low-ball, creative shotmakers. Examine approach play from key distances, around-the-green skill and putting on the specific green type.
Across outright and top-10/20 markets, place terms and each-way structures can swing value. Compare each-way fractions and places across our partners before placing your stake.
Course fit, strokes gained and wind profiles
Match a player’s strokes-gained approach and around-the-green data to the course’s shot-shape demands and penalty severity. If the forecast shows gusts, elevate proven wind players and devalue high-spin, high-ball-flight profiles.
Par-5 scoring can be decisive on birdie-fests, whereas major setups reward bogey-avoidance and elite scrambling. Cross-check finishes at comparable courses rather than relying solely on recent highlights.
Outrights, each-way value and top finish bets
In deep fields, each-way can outperform win-only if your selections are consistent tee-to-green but volatile putters. In weaker events, consider win-only on shortlists with clear class edges.
Top-20 and top-40 markets compress variance and suit steady profiles. When the market overreacts to a missed cut caused by cold putting, look for drifted prices on players whose ball-striking remains strong.
Formula 1 betting guide: races, outrights, props
Circuit layout determines tyre wear and overtaking, so qualifying versus race pace matters enormously. Consider team development rates, reliability trends and pit-stop efficiency when assessing season-long props and race-day bets.
Safety car likelihood varies by track, and team orders can reshape podium and fastest lap markets. Use practice and qualifying data to refine pace models before committing stakes.
Circuit traits, tyre strategy and team pace data
High-deg tracks reward teams with gentle tyre wear and undercut-friendly strategies, whereas low-deg circuits emphasise raw downforce and straight-line speed. Calibrate expectations by comparing long-run practice times, not only qualy laps.
Overlay recent upgrade packages and how they translated at similar circuits. If a team shows top-5 pace degradation resilience, podium and head-to-head markets may still be mispriced after qualifying surprises.
Qualifying versus race pace and safety cars
Some cars unlock one-lap speed but fade on heavy fuel or in dirty air, which can make lay-to-back strategies valuable. If a front-row starter lacks long-run consistency, explore alternative markets like “without the favourite” or place-only finishes.
Safety car probabilities impact pit windows and undercut opportunities, especially at street tracks. Model scenarios where late safety cars enable fastest lap flyers on fresher tyres, and price the risk before placing prop bets.
Boxing and MMA betting guide: markets and tips
Fighter styles, ring craft and weight cuts shape outcomes more than raw records. Scorecards can be unpredictable, so assess geography, judging tendencies and promotion narratives alongside tape.
Method-of-victory and round-group bets often hold value when styles clash. In MMA, understand wrestling dominance, gas tanks and grappling transitions before backing submission or KO props.
Styles, pace, cut risks and judging tendencies
Pressure fighters can unravel slick counterpunchers early, but fade if the pace backfires; conversely, movers thrive if they control distance and scores with jabs. Cut-prone fighters face extra stoppage risk, especially against sharp elbows in MMA.
Judges may favour forward momentum in some regions and clean countering in others. If you anticipate a close, tactical fight, consider smaller stakes or look at alternative markets like “fight to go the distance.”
Method, round groups and late price movement
When a power puncher faces a durable opponent, round groups 7–12 or “late stoppage” can reflect fatigue dynamics better than a flat KO price. Volume-based fighters against hittable foes can suit decision-only lines at improved odds.
Late weigh-in news and visible drains can tilt markets in MMA. Track price movement on our partner sportsbooks and be prepared to pass if volatility outpaces your edge.
Responsible betting, limits and safer play tips
Set a clear budget, use deposit and loss limits, and walk away when the fun stops. Never chase losses, and avoid viewing betting as a way to fix financial problems or as a priority over personal commitments.
Use in-account tools like time-outs and reality checks, and consider self-exclusion if you feel your control slipping. Gambling is strictly for adults 18+; if you’re under 18, do not use betting services.
Bankroll planning, staking and record keeping
Ringfence a fixed betting bank separate from living expenses, and stake consistently as a small percentage of your bankroll. Keep a simple ledger of bets, markets and prices to learn which sports and strategies perform best.
Avoid big stake jumps after wins or losses, and don’t let short-term variance derail a sound approach. Review monthly, refine your sport-by-sport plans, and be patient as edges play out over time.
Bonuses, terms, eligibility and safer decisions
Welcome offers, boosts and extra places can add value when you already like the bet, but always read full terms, eligibility and time limits. Don’t wager more than planned to meet a requirement that doesn’t suit your edge.
Compare multiple offers through our banners to find the best fit for your style, whether that’s football handicaps, racing each-ways or tennis in-play. If a promotion encourages risky behaviour, skip it and protect your bankroll.
Age restrictions: strictly 18+ for all betting
Betting content and services are for adults aged 18+ only, and our partners verify age before accounts are opened. Keep gambling safe and legal by following local rules and operator terms at all times.
If you’re concerned about your play, pause and seek help through responsible gambling tools in your account. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and treat betting as entertainment, not a source of income.
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How does Best of Bets help me bet smarter on UK sports?
Best of Bets provides sport-specific betting guides plus comparisons of odds, price boosts and welcome bonuses from UK-licensed bookmakers via affiliate links.
What’s the smartest way to use each-way betting at Royal Ascot and in big-field handicaps?
Each-way makes most sense in large, competitive fields or when enhanced places are offered, as long as the reduced odds still represent value against your assessed win chance.
Which horse racing form factors should I check before placing a bet?
Prioritise the going, draw, likely run style, recent form at similar trip and class, speed figures and any track-side bias on the day.
How can I find value in football using Asian handicaps and totals?
Map your projected scoreline to Asian lines and totals, factor xG, team news and travel, then line-shop across multiple UK operators for the best price.
What’s a sensible approach to in-play football and accumulator risk?
Set pre-match in-play triggers and a strict stop-loss, keep accas to a few well-priced legs, and use offers like Acca Insurance only after reading full terms.
Which tennis stats and conditions matter most across surfaces?
Focus on surface-specific hold and break percentages, matchup styles, travel or fatigue signals, and how weather or altitude affects serve and return dynamics.
How should pitch, weather and the toss shape my cricket bets?
Start with pitch reports and weather, weight the toss more in day-night or dew-heavy games, and reassess par scores after powerplays in-play.
What drives value in golf outrights and top-finish markets?
Course fit and strokes-gained data are key, while each-way fractions and place terms can swing value, especially in deep fields.
How do qualifying, tyre strategy and safety cars influence F1 betting?
Separate one-lap speed from long-run race pace using practice data, price tyre-deg and pit windows, and account for safety car probabilities by circuit.
What responsible gambling rules and age limits apply on Best of Bets?
Gambling is for adults aged 18+ only, and users should set limits, use time-outs or self-exclusion where needed, and never bet more than they can afford to lose.
