Royal Ascot is back and if you are one of the lucky 12,000 racegoers that are allowed to attend this year you will also have an eye on the weather forecast in case you need an umbrella, but more pertinently to see if that horse you suspect has been plotted up for a handicap has his ground.

With everything prepared there’s only one thing left for speculation. What will be the colour of the Queen’s hat on opening day at the Royal meeting?

A huge televisual audience and thousands of the on-course racegoers strive to get a first glimpse of the Royal Family with Her Majesty’s hat of particular interest.

Royal observers and fashion experts debate her outfit colour on ITV with their footage broadcast around the world.

With the exception of 2020 the Queen has attended every day of the meeting for the past 64 years, with the last time she missed a moment of the event being her own coronation in 1953.

In 2017 there were fears that she might miss the second day of the meeting due to her duties at the state opening of Parliament. It was a close call but her entourage made the journey from Westminster to the Berkshire racecourse with minutes to spare.

What Goes into an Outfit Choice for the Queen?

It’s no surprise that the Queen stands out in a crowd, but she does enjoy making a bold splash. She once said that if “she wore beige, nobody would know who I am”, so it’s no surprise that in recent years she has made some bold choices that do respond very well to bright sunlight.

With horse racing being her favourite sport, she likes it being portrayed in a positive light.

One thing is very clear from some deep trawling of the world wide web – Her Majesty loves yellow. She wore it on the opening day in 2016, and also wore it in 2018.

The year before she wore green, perhaps as a nod to the commemoration of the Grenfell tragedy when there was a minute’s silence before racing began.

A notable trend is that there are plenty of repeat colours. Her Majesty wore the same-coloured outfit in 2014 as she did in 2017, and in 2016 as she did in 2018.

There can sometimes be a left-field answer here too – there are many different colours available to her Majesty and that can often mix things up here when it comes to the exact payout. Peach and orange, yellow and gold, grey and silver are easily confused.

Queen’s Hat Colour at Royal Ascot History

• 2019 – Blue
• 2018 – Yellow
• 2017 – Green
• 2016 – Yellow
• 2015 – Pink
• 2014 – Green
• 2013 – Peach

Queen’s Hat Colour Trends?

The Queen has topped off her Royal Ascot outfits with more pink and blue hats than any other colour, and both of those shades are popular for today’s opening day of Flat racing’s most high-profile event.

In all of the above years her hat has matched her overall outfit colour. She has not worn the same colour back-to-back for a few years, but certain colours do also recur with regular effect.

In 2015, Her Majesty came to Ladies’ Day in pistachio outfit, which meant that bookmakers ended up paying on multiple fronts; Bet365 declared both green and blue – two well-backed options – as winners, while William Hills paid out on white, blue, green and turquoise.

In the aftermath of the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, it has been noticeable she has leaned towards darker colours with purple and burgundy (red) being popular with her.

It may be a form-pointer and with her rarely wearing red at Ascot, but it may be that she’ll pick either mauve or purple for the opening day of Royal Ascot.

The Queen’s hat colour for the first day of Royal Ascot:

• Blue 3/1
• Green 4/1
• Pink 5/1
• Purple 6/1
• Yellow 6/1
• White 7/1
• Grey 8/1
• Red 10/1
• Orange 14/1

Best Of Bets: Sports-Specific Betting Guides

Welcome to Best Of Bets’ expert, sport-by-sport betting guides designed to help you wager smarter and more responsibly. This content expands on the Royal Ascot insights above and adds structured strategies across the biggest UK sports and events.

Use our impartial tips, market breakdowns and practical examples to make informed selections, set disciplined staking plans, and extract value. When you’re ready, compare trusted bookmakers via our banners and links to secure competitive prices and clear, fair bonuses.

How to bet smarter across major UK sports

The best bettors match their approach to the rhythms, data and markets unique to each sport. We show you how to assess value, understand pricing drivers, and avoid common pitfalls without over-complicating your process.

Focus on bankroll management, pre-match planning and measured in-play decisions. Then leverage our recommended operators to find strong odds, consistent each-way terms, and transparent customer protections.

Royal Ascot betting guide and market angles

Ascot is about pace, position and ground, with track nuances influencing both sprints and staying races. Tie your shortlist to the going, draw, running style and proven course form, then price it versus the live market.

Shop around for each-way enhancements in the big-field handicaps and note any extra place concessions. Specials and novelty markets can add interest, but your core staking should prioritise race markets where edges are repeatable.

Reading the going, draw bias and pace maps

Recent rain or watering shifts the effective track, so upgrade proven soft-ground horses when the going eases and favour speedier profiles on fast ground. Check split-track days and historical draw data, then blend that with pace maps to project who controls the race shape.

Front-runners drawn against the rail in sprints can be gold when the ground rides quick, while hold-up horses often need pace meltdowns and luck in-running. Always price your projected run-style advantage into your tissue.

Handicap vs Group races: pricing the field

In handicaps, weight, sectional times and trainer patterns matter more, while Group races hinge on class ceilings and true-run pace. Build your tissue from realistic performance ranges, not only official ratings, and challenge market hype with evidence.

Each-way terms, dead heats, R4 and refunds

Extra places can turn marginal each-way bets into positive expected value, but shorter win odds sometimes offset that. Know dead-heat rules, Rule 4 deductions and declared refund offers so you understand exact returns before you stake.

Novelties at Ascot: colour markets explained

Novelty markets, like historical colour specials at the Royal meeting, are fun but information-light and often tightly priced. Treat them as low-stake entertainment and avoid staking plans that rely on outcomes you cannot model with form-based data.

Football betting guide: markets and models

Football trading rewards preparation: team news, shape changes, schedule congestion and price history shape value. Build baseline ratings, integrate expected goals data, and use market movement as a signal rather than an instruction.

Prioritise market types you can quantify, such as Asian handicaps, totals, cards and corners. Keep stake sizes steady, avoid chasing in-play swings, and stick to leagues where you consistently beat the closing line.

Premier League props: cards, corners and shots

Referee tendencies, team tactics and match state drive prop counts, so weight fixtures by pace and aggression. Sides that press high and deliver frequent crosses typically earn corners, while deep-block games suppress shots but can boost cards if pressure builds.

Expected goals, team news and price moves

xG smooths finishing variance but must be combined with fresh injuries, suspensions and tactical changes. Track early and late price moves to learn which angles the market respects, then target soft spots where your numbers deviate with reason.

In-play strategies and cash-out trade-offs

Live opportunities arise when match state diverges from pre-match models, like early reds or tactical substitutions. Cash-out offers include margin for operators, so weigh them against your updated fair odds and only act when the price is in your favour.

Tennis betting guide: surfaces and momentum

Tennis prices pivot on surface speed, serve quality, returning skill and scheduling. Grass amplifies serve dominance, clay rewards top-spin and defence, while hard courts vary; build player ratings by surface first.

Momentum can be overstated unless tied to specific patterns like second-serve collapses or return success on the backhand wing. Use break point conversion and hold rates to sharpen in-play decisions at honest prices.

Grand Slams, five-set trends and tie-breaks

In Slams, fitness and recovery become edges, and strong servers gain in tie-break volumes across quicker courts. Underdogs with elite return numbers hold better live equity in extended matches, especially when favourites arrive undercooked.

Player fatigue, travel and scheduling factors

Back-to-backs, late finishes and long-haul flights degrade movement and accuracy, driving hidden value for fresher opponents. Cross-check order-of-play and potential doubles commitments to anticipate flat patches.

Live betting on serve holds and break points

Monitor first-serve percentage, points won behind second serve and return depth to time entries. If a favourite’s second-serve points won drops sharply, consider a live lay or set-betting alternative at a safer price.

Cricket betting guide: formats, form and data

Each format changes risk and tempo: Tests privilege patience and conditions, ODIs reward phase mastery, and T20s amplify boundary rates. Calibrate prices by venue history, boundary size, dew and toss impact.

Player roles determine props value, so prefer batters in top order for runs and all-rounders with reliable overs for performance markets. Confirm bowling quotas and role stability before staking.

ODI, T20 and Test tactics for smarter plays

In T20, powerplay aggression and death overs shape totals; in ODIs, anchors matter, and in Tests, session-by-session conditions rule. Line up team styles against venue patterns, then adjust totals and handicaps accordingly.

Top bat, top bowler and player performance

Top-bat value lives in concentrated top orders and on pitches with new-ball rewards, while top-bowler thrives on swing or spin-friendly venues. Performance points favour all-rounders with guaranteed usage across both disciplines.

Weather, pitch reports and toss-based angles

Cloud cover aids swing, dry surfaces crack and help spin, and dew boosts chases in white-ball matches. Toss bias can be material, so have conditional bets ready or stake smaller before the flip and add after.

Golf betting guide: majors, outrights and props

Golf is a data-rich sport where course fit and recent strokes gained trends unlock value. For outrights, build a shortlist that blends approach play, around-the-green skill and driving profile tailored to the course.

Time your bets around tee-time waves when wind splits loom, and use each-way terms to turn near-misses into banked returns. Props like top 20s and two-balls help smooth variance across the week.

Course fit, strokes gained and recent form

Evaluate strokes gained approach for second-shot courses and around-the-green for tight complexes. Recent form matters most when it matches the course’s demand profile rather than headline finishes alone.

Weather splits, tee times and draw biases

Forecasts can create wave edges if one half gets calmer conditions, lifting birdie chances. Adjust exposure to early or late starters when models show meaningful wind or gust differentials.

Each-way place terms and staking for value

Enhanced places can justify bigger prices on volatile contenders, but check reduced win odds. Balance your book with a mix of win-only on elite fits and each-way on longshots with spike upside.

Rugby betting guide: Six Nations and beyond

Rugby totals and handicaps are driven by set-piece strength, territory, weather and discipline. Upgrade teams with dominant scrums and mauls in wet conditions and temper attacking expectations when crosswinds are strong.

Track injury clusters in the pack and half-back combinations for tactical cohesion. Referee profiles influence penalty counts, so factor whistle tendencies into both totals and winning margins.

Handicaps, totals and alternative line value

Alternative lines often pay better for clear tactical mismatches, such as maul-heavy sides versus weak maul defence. For totals, consider kick-heavy tactical battles that suppress tries but raise penalty goals.

Team news, rotations and travel considerations

Short-turnaround travel and squad rotation undermine breakdown accuracy and defensive spacing. Upgrade settled teams with continuity at 9-10 and reliable goal-kickers when margins are tight.

World Cup cycles, refs and set-piece edges

In cycle years, teams experiment more early and tighten later; align stakes with that arc. Set-piece superiority translates into repeatable territory gains, while certain refs favour a faster ruck, increasing try potential.

F1 betting guide: tracks, tyres and team orders

F1 pricing hinges on circuit characteristics, tyre compounds, aero efficiency and reliability. High-downforce tracks reward strong cornering, while power-sensitive circuits hand edges to teams with top-end efficiency.

Market moves often follow upgrades, grid penalties and weather forecasts. Model qualifying pace separately from long-run pace and be ready to switch sides if tyre degradation projections flip on race day.

Qualifying versus race pace and pit windows

Some teams excel in one-lap speed but fade on tyre wear, creating split-bet opportunities across qualifying and race markets. Anticipate undercut or overcut windows based on degradation curves and safety-car likelihood.

Driver match-ups, safety cars and weather

Head-to-heads reward accurate assessments of consistency, tyre care and launch performance. Safety cars compress fields and flip strategy trees, while rain magnifies driver skill gaps and risks.

Constructors, upgrades and long-term trends

Constructors markets reflect two-car reliability and upgrade cadence over a season. Track wind-tunnel time allocations and update ratings slowly to avoid overreacting to one-off results.

Boxing and MMA betting guide: prices and props

Fights are shaped by pace, reach, stance match-ups and cardio. Contrast styles—pressure vs counterpuncher, wrestler vs striker—and the small-cage vs ring dynamics.

Look beyond moneyline to method, round-group betting and significant strike props where the stylistic edge is clear. Bankroll discipline is vital due to lower sample sizes and volatile finishes.

Weigh-ins, camps and last-minute market moves

Watch for bad cuts, missed weight and short-notice replacements that impact durability and pace. Late money often mirrors reliable intel, but confirm it aligns with your tape analysis before adjusting stakes.

Judging criteria, scoring swings and rematches

Understand criteria: effective striking, grappling, aggression and control—not all volume is equal. Rematches shift tactics; fighters often fix specific vulnerabilities, altering method-of-victory probabilities.

Rounds betting, props and method of victory

If a grinder controls clinch time, decision props rise; if a power puncher faces a hittable guard, early-round stoppages trend up. Anchor method bets to realistic path-to-victory scenarios from the tape.

Darts and snooker betting guide: edges to find

These precision sports reward rhythm and temperament analysis as much as raw averages. In darts, finishing under pressure separates contenders; in snooker, safety play and break-building efficiency drive match control.

Format length changes variance, so price upsets differently in short sessions versus long races. Track recent checkout percentages, long-pot success and how players respond at key scorelines.

Legs, sets and format impacts on variance

Short formats amplify variance and underdog equity, while longer sets reduce randomness. Adjust underdog stakes upwards in shorter formats and favour class in extended matches.

Player temperament, tempo and stage pressure

Some players surge with a fast tempo, others need a slower cadence; mismatches can disrupt rhythm. Stage and TV pressure reveal who holds mechanics when the finish line approaches.

Break-building, checkouts and live momentum

Snooker momentum often follows a few clean 60+ breaks, while darts swings on high checkouts and two-dart misses. Use live markets to capitalise when a favourite’s timing visibly deserts them mid-session.

Safer gambling, eligibility and key reminders

Only bet what you can afford to lose, set deposit and loss limits, and take cooling-off breaks when needed. If betting stops being fun, step away and consider support tools available with licensed operators.

Gambling is strictly for 18+ adults and should never be viewed as a solution to financial problems. Keep betting in balance with life, avoid chasing losses, and choose UK-licensed firms with clear safer gambling controls.

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What is Best Of Bets and how do your guides help?

Best Of Bets offers impartial, sport-specific betting guides, market breakdowns and operator comparisons to help UK bettors make informed selections and stake responsibly.

How can I bet smarter across major UK sports?

Bet smarter by managing bankroll, planning pre‑match, making measured in‑play decisions, and matching your strategy to each sport’s data and pricing drivers.

How do I compare bookmaker odds and bonuses on Best Of Bets?

Use our banners and links to compare UK‑licensed bookmakers on odds, each‑way terms and verified bonuses with transparent T&Cs before you bet.

What are the key Royal Ascot betting tips?

At Royal Ascot, base picks on going, draw bias and pace maps, shop extra places, and understand Rule 4, dead‑heat and refund terms before staking.

Which football betting markets and metrics should I focus on?

Focus on quantifiable markets like Asian handicaps, totals, cards and corners using xG, team news and price movement signals to identify value.

What’s your advice on in‑play betting and cash‑out decisions?

Act in‑play only when match state materially diverges from your model and take cash‑out only if the offer beats your updated fair odds after margin.

What should I consider when betting on tennis?

Build player ratings by surface, track serve/return metrics and use second‑serve and break‑point data to time in‑play entries at fair prices.

How do cricket formats change my betting approach?

Adjust for Test, ODI and T20 tempos by weighting venue, dew, toss bias and player roles, then target top bat/bowler and performance props with stable usage.

How do I find value in golf outrights and each‑way markets?

Blend course fit with strokes gained trends, consider wind and tee‑time waves, and use sensible each‑way terms to bank value on volatile contenders.

Who are your offers for and how do you promote safer gambling?

Our offers are for adults 18+ with UK‑licensed operators, and we promote safer gambling via limits, cooling‑off options and clear guidance to keep betting balanced.