The Royal Ascot truly embodies its motto, "Like nowhere else." Since Queen Anne founded it in 1711, this annual June event at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England, has become a staple of British social life, blending tradition, elegance, fashion, class distinction, and sporting excellence.
Each day of the event is officially opened by the King and various royals, creating a spectacle reminiscent of a royal wedding combined with the Kentucky Derby, but with a more festive atmosphere fuelled by champagne instead of bourbon. While each of the five days offers its own attractions, Opening Day is particularly special. It not only draws the full roster of royals but also restricts access to the exclusive Royal Enclosure to members only, enhancing its prestige.
As the Royal Ascot approaches, anticipation for this renowned event is palpable. While it's not hosted in Canada, let's indulge in examining some of the pivotal races next year. From June 17th to 21st, 2025, thrill-seekers and racing enthusiasts will gather to break away from the routine and enjoy a week filled with celebration and festivities.
Next year's event promises intense competition, making it tough for bookmakers to identify clear favourites. This situation opens up numerous opportunities for valuable bets, provided we conduct thorough research.
Queen Anne Stakes
The Queen Anne Stakes is particularly challenging to forecast. Canadian sports betting sites show nearly identical odds for the top four horses. Currently, Inspiral leads at 3/1, followed closely by Charyn at 4/1, Facteur Cheval at 7/2, and Big Rock at 6/1. The competition appears tight, but it is believed that Big Rock can be dismissed due to his recent disappointing performance despite his past success, including a win at Ascot last October.
Although Big Rock previously defeated Facteur Cheval, the latter has since adapted well to leading early, securing a win in the Group 1 Dubai Turf despite an extra furlong. Charyn poses a significant challenge, but Facteur Cheval has already outperformed him in last year's Sussex Stakes, where they finished second and third behind an unbeatable Paddington. Given Inspiral's frequent losses to Charyn, I don't see good value in his odds. Therefore, Facteur Cheval at 7/2 offers an attractive betting opportunity.
Rebel’s Romance
Each year, Ascot provides thrilling surprises, with last year's standout being Valiant Force's 150/1 win in the Norfolk Stakes. While it is such a long shot, it is suggested to oppose the favourites Continuous and Middle Earth in favour of Rebel’s Romance.
Rebel’s Romance has excelled over a mile and four furlongs, winning his last four races, including notable Group 1 and Group 3 events. Trained by Charlie Appleby and owned by Godolphin, his credentials are solid. Although his primary competitors excel over longer distances (1m6f), Rebel’s Romance’s consistency over 1m4f makes him a strong contender, despite being one of the older entrants at six years old.
The Gold Cup
While bookmakers generally haven't settled on short-priced favourites for Royal Ascot, Kyprios is a strong contender for the Gold Cup at even money, and it is a good assessment. However, the better value lies in each-way bets.
The each-way choice for the Gold Cup is Caius Chorister. Initially a 1m4f specialist, she struggled in her four-year-old season but improved significantly when her trainer, David Menuisier, extended her distance. She won the Group 3 Prix Belle de Nuit by four lengths and has since finished second in two-mile races, narrowly missing first place both times. Given her stamina, Caius Chorister at 12/1 is an excellent each-way bet. While unlikely to dethrone Kyprios, she stands a good chance of securing second place.