Royal Ascot Day 1 tips – Queen Anne Stakes

Royal Ascot starts 20th-24th June and features an exciting lineup of races throughout the week, with the Queen Anne Stakes kicking off the action as one of the prestigious Group 1 events.

Exclusive to four-year-old and older horses, this 1-mile race is considered the ultimate championship for milers, with last year’s winner, Baaeed, proving to be a true champion.

The Group 2 Coventry Stakes introduces the two-year-olds to the racing scene, serving as an important gauge of future talent.

Over the years, notable winners such as Canford Cliffs, Dawn Approach, and Caravaggio have emerged from this race, showcasing their potential for greatness.

Next in line for the Group 1 showdowns are the sprinters, taking center stage in the King’s Stand Stakes.

This thrilling race covers the minimum distance of 5 furlongs and is open to three-year-olds and older horses. In 2019, the renowned Blue Point made history by claiming victory in both this race and the 6-furlong Diamond Jubilee Stakes later in the week.

The St James’s Palace Stakes, another prestigious 1-mile prize, exclusively welcomes three-year-olds.

This race follows the culmination of the British, Irish, and French 2000 Guineas, often attracting the winners of these esteemed championships to compete against one another. Last season, Coroebus, the victor of the Newmarket race, triumphed in a captivating finish.

As the day progresses, the final three races provide opportunities at a slightly lower level.

The Ascot Stakes, a 2-mile 4-furlong handicap, marks the opening race of the meeting for stayers.

Meanwhile, the Wolferton Stakes, previously a handicap, underwent a transformation in 2018 and became an open event covering 1 mile 2 furlongs. Addeybb, a multiple Group 1 winner, claimed victory in this race in 2019.

The inaugural Copper Horse Handicap brings Day 1 to a close, offering one of the newest races of the meeting.

Limited to horses with a rating of 105 and below, this 1-mile 6-furlong contest provides an exciting opportunity for horses to showcase their abilities on the Ascot turf.