The anticipation has hit a boiling point as we count down the hours to Royal Ascot 2025. Day one of Royal Ascot showcases three Group 1s, and we start with a bang as the best milers clash in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes.
Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes - 1m (Straight Course)
Lead Artist, who will now be ridden by the newly appointed Joddmonte retained rider, Colin Keane, got the better of Dancing Gemini and Rosallion in the Locking Stakes at Newbury. There won't be much between the trio again, but now, with that run behind him and back on a course where he has winning form, Rosallion can gain his revenge.
The son of Blue Point won the St James's Place at this meeting last season, making it two from two at Ascot, but he had not run since until his comeback this season at Newbury. That was on the back of 333 days on the sidelines, and he ran as if he would come on leaps and bounds for that run. Rosallion would be hard to beat if he got back to his brilliant best.
Others to note are Sardinian Warrior, who arrives here on the back of a Group 1 second, and Dockland, who loves it at Ascot and can go well at big odds.
- Selection: Rosallion 11/4
- Danger: Sardinian Warrior 7/1
Group 1 King Charles III Stakes - 5f
The draw could be the difference between winning and losing for King Charles III. However, we won't have a gauge of which side the 'Golden Highway' is on by the time this comes around. The George Boughey runner Believing sets a fair standard on his near misses in three Group 1s last season, but he has since got back in the winner's enclosure in a Meydan Group 1 in April.
The Ozzie runner Asfoora will look to win back-to-back runnings of the King Charles, and this stiff 5f has already proven to suit him well. Even with those mentioned above having clear chances, it can pay to side with the improving Mgheera.
This mare has blossomed since arriving from France to Ed Walker, winning on her first two starts for new connections. Even though she was slow into stride in Group 2 on her latest start, it did not stop her from running on well to claim victory. The setup of this race should be to her liking, and with the stiff finish, Mgheera can close late and play a part in the finish.
- Selection: Mgheera 12/1 (e/w)
- Danger: Asfoora 6/1
Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes - 1m (Round Course)
All eyes will be on Royal Ascot as the English, Irish, and French 2000 Guineas winners clash for a race of the ages. Henri Matisse held off a rallying Jonquil in the French 2000 Guineas, and he should have a big part to play here. But the clash we all want to see is Ruling Court versus Field of Gold, part two.
Ruling Court got the better of Field Of Gold in the 2000 Guineas, but the runner-up was left with a lot to do on the day and ran out of racetrack to reel in Ruling Court. The former put that disappointment to bed when running away with the Irish 2000 Guineas under Colin Keane, and the son of Kingman can gain his revenge here.
One who can outrun his big odds is Rashabar, who got a torrid trip in the Irish 2000 Guineas. This course winner is by no means out of place in this lineup.
- Selection: Field Of Gold 5/6
- Danger: Ruling Court 11/4
Royal Ascot Day One Tips - The Best Of The Rest
Ascot Stakes - 2m4f
Only the toughest will survive over this distance, and not many runners fit the bill here. Cheltenham Festival form is going to be on display at Royal Ascot as Triumph Hurdle winner Poniros looks set to clash with East India Dock.
However, the places may be reversed on the level, as the James Owen runner has since gone on to win the Chester Cup convincingly last month. But, the most interesting runner in here is the Royal runner Reaching High.
Reaching High is the first runner that HM The King has ever had with Willie Mullins, and it nearly got off to a perfect start at Leopardstown, only for Reaching High to narrowly fail to run down Not Just Any Eagle. Knowing Willie Mullins, he left a bit to work with Reaching High.
Now faced with a new trip that will surely suit, and the booking of Ryan Moore, this deadly combination has been a recipe for success at Royal Ascot for many years.
