Last updated Jun 12, 4:44am ET

There are few more famous sporting events on the global calendar than Royal Ascot. Once again, the eyes of the globe will be on the prestigious flat horse racing meeting, with day 1 kicking off with three Group 1 races. You can find our picks for the opening day of the Royal meet here.

Royal Ascot: Event Information

Stat Information
Date & Time Tuesday, June 17, 2025 @ 9:30 AM ET
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Venue Ascot, United Kingdom

Royal Ascot Day 1 Picks

Queen Anne Stakes Picks (R1- 9:30 AM ET)

The opening race of the meet features a stacked line-up, who will compete over a mile in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes. Lead Artist got the better of a number of rivals to land the G1 Lockinge Stakes last time out.

However, the runner back in third on that day could reverse the form with a run under his belt. Rosallion is a high-quality performer at the highest level, and has a course and distance win to his name after holding off Henry Longfellow to score in the G1 St. James’s Palace Stakes at Ascot last year.

Needed the run last time out after a layoff, and there is plenty to like about his chances for trainer Richard Hannon.  

Pick
Rosallion (+275)
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King Charles III Stakes (R3- 10:40 AM ET)

A five-furlong Group One for the sprinters is the third race on the Ascot card on day one, and cases can be made for plenty. However, the Karl Burke yard has been in excellent form this season, and a step down to five furlongs could be the making of the rapid Night Raider.

He ran well for a long way over six furlongs on his return in the G2 Clipper Stakes, before fading to more accustomed competitors over six furlongs. His pace ensures that extra progression could be unlocked now down in trip in the G1 King Charles III Stakes.  

Pick
Night Raider (+800)
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St. James’s Palace Stakes (R4- 11:20 AM ET)

A high-quality field of competitors that have performed in Classics this season will line up in the G1 St. James’s Palace Stakes, featuring the 2,000 Guineas, Irish 2,000 Guineas, and French 2000 Guineas winners.

Ruling Court got the better of Field Of Gold at Newmarket in May, but the John & Thady Gosden runner got back on track with a dominant showing in the Irish version last time out.

Colin Keane will be aboard the three-year-old once again, and he is incredibly versatile in the way that he races, meaning that he will be suited by a fast or slow pace. He comes out on top on ratings, and his rivals will have plenty to find if he brings his A-game.   

Pick
Field Of Gold (-120)
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Other Royal Ascot Day 1 Picks

Race Pick
R2- G2 Coventry Stakes- 10:05 AM ET Naval Light
R5- Ascot Stakes- 12:00 PM ET Poniros
R6- Wolferton Stakes- 12:34 PM ET Liberty Lane
R7- Copper Horse Stakes- 1:10 PM ET Charlus
Alex Dudley
Alex Dudley

Sports Analyst and Betting Expert

Alex has over 15 years of experience in sports betting, specializing in soccer and horse racing. He uses his deep knowledge of markets and strategies to guide readers through disciplined and informed betting.

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