Royal Ascot Betting Tips: 17–21 June 2025

Royal Ascot 2025 is galloping into view, ready to deliver five days of world-class racing, royal pageantry, and prime betting action. From Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st June, Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire will host 36 thrilling races – all watched over by King Charles III’s daily Royal Procession down the track’s famous straight mile. For UK bettors, this week is the highlight of the flat racing calendar, and it comes loaded with opportunities. Leading UK bookmakers are rolling out the best betting offers and free bets in anticipation. But beyond the promos and pomp, how can punters find an edge? Let’s set the scene for Royal Ascot 2025 with day-by-day Ascot tips, focusing on key Group 1 races – from the opening Queen Anne Stakes to the climactic Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – plus expert insights on favourites, Royal Ascot runners, and savvy betting angles throughout the week.

An electric atmosphere is guaranteed – picture the cheers as the first race jumps off, the flutter of racecards and fancy hats, and the buzz of bookies shouting odds. In this guide, we’ll highlight each day’s major showdowns (think Queen Anne, St James’s Palace, Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Gold Cup, Coronation Stakes, and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee sprint) and suggest where betting value might lie. Whether you’re a seasoned punter weighing up favourites or a casual fan looking for a fun flutter, read on for our Royal Ascot 2025 betting tips and strategy. After all, with so many top-class Royal Ascot runners and storylines, even the most casual bet can feel like part of racing history. Will we see a royal fairy tale, a long-shot lightning strike, or simply the cream rising to the top?

Tuesday 17 June 2025 – Opening Day Highlights

Day One Royal Acot Betting Tips

Queen Anne Stakes (1m)

• Rosallion – Strong course form; value at 5/2 if ground stays quick
• Notable Speech – Watch for market support; Guineas winner with speed
• Dancing Gemini – Each-way value; improving profile and handles stiff mile
• Betting angle: 4 or 5-year-olds dominate this race historically. Look for extra places or enhanced odds on Notable Speech or outsiders with Ascot form.

King Charles III Stakes (5f)

• International raiders – Australian or US sprinters have strong recent record
• Bradsell / Highfield Princess – If returning, both proven Group 1 winners
• Betting angle: Take advantage of money-back specials if your horse places. Siding with horses that finish strong in fast-ground sprints pays off.

St James’s Palace Stakes (1m)

• Field Of Gold – Irish Guineas winner; visually impressive
• Ruling Court – Beat Field Of Gold at Newmarket; better value
• Henri Matisse – French 2000 Guineas winner; solid each-way if ground softens
• Betting angle: Odds-on favourites can get beaten in this tactical race. Look for horses with turn-of-foot and good temperament under pressure.

Horses charging down Ascot’s final furlong on the opening day, where the Queen Anne Stakes traditionally kicks off the Royal Meeting.

Royal Ascot Tuesday erupts with prestige and pace, serving up three Group 1 contests that set the tone for the week. It all begins with the Queen Anne Stakes (2:30pm), a one-mile test for older horses that honours the monarch who founded Ascot in 1711. The Queen Anne is a race of high repute and hot trends – in fact, it’s considered one of the most pattern-driven events at the meeting, often dominated by horses with proven class at a mile. This year’s ante-post market points to Rosallion as a leading fancy, around 5/2 in early betting. Rosallion made headlines at Ascot last summer by turning the tables on 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech in the St James’s Palace Stakes, and if he trains on at four, he could be the one to beat on day one. Notable Speech himself – last year’s 16-1 Guineas hero for Charlie Appleby – may reappear here too, eager to reassert his dominance. Throw in other key Royal Ascot runners like Dancing Gemini (a rapidly improving miler) and Lead Artist, and the Queen Anne shapes up as a clash between battle-tested older horses and upstart four-year-olds. Keep an eye on the weather: fast ground would favour quick-turn-of-foot types, whereas any rain could bring a long-shot into the frame. Seeking betting value? Consider an each-way flutter on a solid outsider with Ascot course form – the stiff mile and big occasion often see underdogs sneak into the places.

Next up, the King’s Stand Stakes – renamed the King Charles III Stakes in honour of the new monarch – dials the distance down to a furious five furlongs. Blink and you’ll miss this Group 1 sprint, where horses blast down the straight at over 40 mph. Recent years have seen international speedsters thrive. Just last year, Aussie mare Asfoora conquered the King Charles III (formerly King’s Stand), becoming the sixth Australian-trained sprinter to win Royal Ascot’s feature sprint on the opening day. That trend is a big betting angle: global raiders often target this race, so don’t discount a well-traveled sprinter from Australia or the USA if one ships over. British fans will be hoping home favourites like Highfield Princess (if she returns at age seven) or Bradsell (the 2023 winner) can repel the overseas challengers. But the Ascot tips here often boil down to one thing – raw early speed. If the ground is lightning-quick, an explosive frontrunner could be hard to peg back. However, if there’s a headwind or softer turf, a stalker finishing late (as Asfoora did) might represent better value. Watch the first few races for any track bias. In such a fast dash, betting offers like money-back if your horse is second (a promotion some bookies run for sprints) can be a punter’s safety net.

Finally, Tuesday’s card features the St James’s Palace Stakes, a showdown for three-year-old colts over a mile. This race often answers the question: who’s the true star of the year’s Classic generation? In 2025 it could set up as a blockbuster rematch between the English and Irish 2000 Guineas form. Charlie Appleby’s Ruling Court narrowly won the Newmarket Guineas (holding off Field Of Gold by a neck), while John Gosden’s Field Of Gold promptly went to Ireland and absolutely bolted up in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. Field Of Gold justified even-money favouritism at the Curragh with a stunning wide-margin victory, echoing his sire Kingman’s triumph from 11 years prior. You can bet these two top colts have a score to settle at Ascot. But here’s the rub: Royal Ascot’s test can scramble even the most scripted duels. Last year, we saw a hyped Guineas winner (Notable Speech) defeated when Rosallion stormed home in the St James’s Palace. It was a reminder that even “good things” can get turned over – one reason this race often offers juicy odds on the field beyond the market leaders. Will Ruling Court confirm his Classic form, or will Field Of Gold gain redemption on English soil? Or – as so often in the St James’s – could an overlooked contender emerge from the pack at a big price? A savvy bettor might keep an eye on any French 3-year-olds or late bloomers who skipped the Guineas; sometimes the fresh horse catches the fading stars. If the favourites look vulnerable or if the pace is likely to be brutal, an each-way punt on a 10/1 or 20/1 shot with tactical speed could pay dividends. Remember, the roar of the Ascot crowd can unnerve youngsters – composure (in horse and jockey) is key in this cauldron. All told, Day One’s mix of royal stakes and lightning sprints offers something for every punter. It’s only Tuesday, but fortunes (and reputations) will already be won and lost.

Wednesday 18 June 2025 – Midweek Marquee (Prince of Wales’s Day)

Day Two Royal Ascot Betting Tips

Prince of Wales’s Stakes (1m2f)

• Los Angeles – Solid favourite if running; proven at 10f+
• Luxembourg / White Birch – Each-way players with top-level form
• Betting angle: Class often tells. Look for pace bias – a lone front-runner can steal this. Use “favourite vs field” or boosted singles if backing Los Angeles.

Queen’s Vase (1m6f, 3yo stayers)

• Back stoutly bred improvers – Often future Gold Cup contenders
• Betting angle: Good race for spotting each-way value and progressive types from smaller yards.

Royal Hunt Cup (1m Handicap)

• Draw bias check – High vs. low draw may emerge during the week
• Look for Ascot specialists – Horses with strong course records
• Betting angle: Bookies usually offer 5–6 places. Use free bets or split stakes across 2–3 runners.

Day Two of Royal Ascot 2025 is headlined by the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (1m 2f, Group 1) – a race dripping with prestige and often featuring the highest-rated older horses of the week. This is the midweek marquee event, frequently attended by the Prince of Wales (for whom it’s named) and a highlight for international contenders eyeing a big prize. Last year we witnessed a bit of racing royalty in action: Auguste Rodin, the dual Derby-winning colt of 2023, bounced back from some early-season stumbles to claim the 2024 Prince of Wales’s Stakes. His victory, by three-quarters of a length, not only reaffirmed his class but also marked the 400th Group One win for master trainer Aidan O’Brien – a testament to the Ballydoyle dominance in these marquee races. With Auguste Rodin now retired to stud, the 2025 renewal could be a changing of the guard. Who will seize the throne in the Prince of Wales’s?

Early signals from the ante-post market and racing grapevine suggest a clash of established stars versus rising four-year-olds. Keep an eye on last year’s runners-up and notable contenders: Luxembourg (a former Irish Champion Stakes winner) could be back as a hardened five-year-old, and John Gosden might saddle a talent like Nashwa or another top-class mare if they fancy taking on the boys. Godolphin’s team is always strong here too – perhaps Ruling Court (if skipping the St James’s Palace) could even be diverted here, though that would be a bold move. The Japanese have also been eyeing this race in recent years, so don’t be shocked if a high-class Japanese middle-distance horse is in the mix, adding intrigue to the betting. Tactically, the Prince of Wales’s often boils down to a test of acceleration: a smallish field can turn into a sprint for home from the final bend. Historically, favourites have a decent record, but surprise results happen – recall the 2023 edition when Mostahdaf upset more fancied rivals in a romp.

For betting purposes, consider the track conditions and pace setup. If you suspect a muddling pace, a front-runner could steal it – a scenario to favour if an underdog is likely to get an easy lead. Conversely, a strong pace brings stamina into play, and proven 1¼-mile horses who stay a bit further tend to prevail. Ascot’s uphill finish will expose any impostors. Betting tip: sometimes the value lies in the each-way market if an odds-on favourite scares off the opposition; you might get a small field where a long-shot can sneak third (or better). Also, check those betting offers – some UK bookmakers might boost the price on a big name in this race or offer “favourite vs the field” specials. With such quality on show, it often feels like a race to watch as much as bet – but where’s the fun in that? After all, Ascot tips are about finding an angle, and mine is this: side with proven Group 1 mettle. The Prince of Wales’s Stakes is no place for fairy tales – class usually tells.

Beyond the day’s feature, Wednesday offers rich pickings for punters. The Queen’s Vase (1m 6f for three-year-old stayers) can earmark a future Cup horse; many a Gold Cup winner cut his teeth in the Vase. If you spot a stoutly bred three-year-old who keeps galloping when others cry enough, that could be your value bet here. Meanwhile, the Royal Hunt Cup, a fiendishly competitive mile handicap with 30+ runners, is a bettor’s puzzle but also a place where bookies often give extra places. Pro tip: consider using your free bets or extra place offers in the Hunt Cup – with so many runners, even the favourites can be 8/1 or 10/1, so it’s an each-way paradise. Sniff around for horses drawn on a potentially advantageous side (the draw bias at Ascot’s straight mile can swing with the going). A win here can make a hero out of a low-profile jockey or trainer – and a tidy profit for those who nailed the long-shot. All told, Wednesday is a day that mixes the lofty (Group 1 glory in the Prince of Wales’s) with the wide-open (big-field handicaps). It’s a day to enjoy the variety of Royal Ascot, and maybe, just maybe, catch your breath before the tumult of Thursday…

Thursday 19 June 2025 – Gold Cup Day (Ladies’ Day)

Day Three Royal Ascot Betting Tips

Gold Cup (2m4f)

• Kyprios – Defending champ; back if ground good or better
• Coltrane / Trawlerman – Solid each-way bets with proven staying form
• Trueshan – Back only if rain falls; excels on soft/heavy
• Betting angle: Proven stayers over 2m+ tend to dominate. Bookies often offer extra places here—ideal race for each-way plays.

Ribblesdale Stakes (1m4f, 3yo fillies)

• Ballydoyle or Gosden runners – Often well-prepared here
• Betting angle: Value may lie with a filly that skipped the Oaks and is peaking now.

Norfolk Stakes (2yo, 5f)

• Wesley Ward runner – Always to be feared; watch declarations
• Betting angle: Fast ground and early pace bias favour US-breds.

Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot is always a glittering occasion – high fashion in the stands and high-class stayers on the track. The centrepiece is the Gold Cup, Ascot’s oldest and most storied race, and the ultimate test of stamina over 2½ miles. This isn’t just another Group 1; it’s “the Blue Riband of the turf” and the race that put Royal Ascot on the map back in 1807. Emotions run high in the Gold Cup – think of the iconic moment when the late Queen Elizabeth II cheered home her filly Estimate to a famous victory in 2013, a win that brought the house down. In 2024 we saw another piece of history: Kyprios reclaimed the Gold Cup crown after a year off, becoming only the third horse ever to win this race in non-consecutive years. Aidan O’Brien’s star stayer had missed the 2023 running due to injury, yet returned triumphant in an epic battle with Trawlerman. That stirring win gave O’Brien a record-extending eighth (now ninth) Gold Cup victory as a trainer, and confirmed Kyprios as the outstanding stayer of his generation. The question for 2025: can Kyprios do it again and cement a dynasty, or will a new staying hero emerge?

Royal Ascot’s Gold Cup in full cry – a true test of stamina where elite stayers like Kyprios battle it out over 2½ miles.

All signs point to Kyprios lining up to defend his title, fitness permitting. The now seven-year-old proved his heart and class in that gritty win (O’Brien even said it was “millions-to-one” that the horse would get back to top form after his injury). If he’s in the same form, he’s the one to beat. But Ascot Gold Cups are rarely walkovers. Keep tabs on Trueshan, the soft-ground loving warrior who sat out last year due to firm going – if rain falls and the mud is flying, Trueshan becomes a big player again. And what of the younger stayers? Perhaps the 2024 Queen’s Vase winner (now a four-year-old) will take the leap into Gold Cup contention. Or we might see a dark horse from overseas: in recent years, top stayers from France and even farther afield have eyed this prize. One notable runner could be Coltrane, a consistent British stayer who was runner-up in 2023 and always gives his all. If Coltrane turns up, he’s a solid each-way shout, especially for those who like a reliable horse at a fair price.

Tactics and trends are key in the Gold Cup. The race often unfolds at a steady gallop before a brutal sprint in the final half-mile. It’s not uncommon to see favourites buried in the pack, struggling to quicken as an outsider kicks for glory. Indeed, long-shot winners are part of Gold Cup lore (remember 20/1 Trip To Paris in 2015, or 33/1 Motherland way back when). So how to play it? If the field has an obvious front-runner, consider if they might steal the race – a daring jockey might try to pinch it if no one gives chase. Conversely, a class stayer like Kyprios won’t want a muddling pace; expect Ryan Moore to have him closer to the action, ready to pounce. Betting tip: this could be a race to use those sign-up bonuses or free bet credits – backing a short-priced favourite in a marathon race can be nerve-wracking, but a free bet softens the risk. And if you fancy an outsider, back them each-way, especially with bookies offering extra places (some might pay four places in the Gold Cup given its stature). Finally, don’t forget the romance of the occasion – Gold Cup Day is as much about the spectacle as the betting. When the horses round the home turn after 2½ miles, listen for the swell of the crowd. This is Ascot drama at its finest. Win or lose on your bet, you’ll want to savour that moment – it’s why we love this sport.

Beyond the Gold Cup, Thursday’s card (often dubbed Ladies’ Day) has other gems. The Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2 for three-year-old fillies over 1½ miles) is basically an “Ascot Oaks” where lightly raced fillies can blossom. Many punters use this race to recoup if the Gold Cup didn’t go their way – often siding with the favourites from powerful yards like Gosden or O’Brien, but there can be value in an improver from a smaller stable. Meanwhile, the Norfolk Stakes gives a glimpse of future sprinting stars among the two-year-olds – Wesley Ward has plundered this before with a lightning American juvenile, so if he has a runner, take note. And to cap the day, there’s the late afternoon cavalry charge of the Buckingham Palace Stakes (a big-field handicap) or similar, where spotting the winner is like finding a needle in a haystack – but oh, the dividends if you do! If you’re ahead by this point, no harm in a small fun bet in these races; if you’re behind, remember it’s only Day Three – plenty of racing yet to come. Discipline is key in a long festival, so bet smart and don’t chase losses. As the sun sets on Gold Cup Day, you’ll want to be looking forward to Friday’s action, not lamenting a blown betting bank.

Friday 20 June 2025 – Fillies and Flyers (Coronation Stakes & Commonwealth Cup)

Day Three Royal Ascot Betting Tips

Coronation Stakes (1m, 3yo fillies)

• Desert Flower – 1000 Guineas winner; strong claims
• Irish/French Guineas runners – Form often holds up
• Betting angle: Consider exacta if you fancy top 2 fillies. Use “betting without the fav” markets or price boosts.

Commonwealth Cup (6f, 3yo)

• Elite Status / Friday Night Lights-type horse – Peaking at right time
• Aussie or US raider – Dangerous if well-drawn
• Betting angle: Unexposed improvers win this often. Dutch two selections, or back one each-way if odds 8/1+. Check sprint draw trends earlier in week.

King Edward VII Stakes (1m4f, 3yo colts)

• Non-Derby horses – Freshness can be a big advantage
• Betting angle: Ignore Derby also-rans who ran poorly; better value in improving types.

As we enter Day Four, the Royal Ascot drama doesn’t let up one bit. Friday’s card features a delightful double: the Coronation Stakes and the Commonwealth Cup, two relatively new Group 1 races (in historic terms) that have quickly become crowd favourites. It’s a day that spotlights the three-year-olds – the Coronation for the fillies over a mile, and the Commonwealth for the sprinters over six furlongs. After the endurance test of Thursday, Friday is all about youthful speed and potential. By now, you might be sensing some betting trends: perhaps certain trainers are red-hot or a particular draw bias has emerged. Stay sharp, because Day Four is ripe for turning those observations into profit.

First, the Coronation Stakes. This one-mile Group 1 for 3yo fillies often reunites the top contenders from the 1000 Guineas in England, Ireland, and sometimes even France. It’s essentially the championship showdown for Classic fillies, and it tends to be an absolute thriller. Last year’s Coronation Stakes provided high family drama: Porta Fortuna, trained by Donnacha O’Brien (son of Aidan), stormed past her father’s filly Opera Singer in the home straight to claim the prize. In doing so, the younger O’Brien earned his first Group One win at Royal Ascot, while his father had to settle for second – a rare sight indeed! Porta Fortuna was no fluke, mind you; she went off 7-2 third-favourite and had been just a head shy of the 1000 Guineas winner a month prior. The lesson for bettors? Form from the spring Classics usually holds up. If a filly ran well in the Guineas (be it English, Irish, or even French Poule d’Essai), she’s a prime contender here. The 2025 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket was won by Desert Flower, giving Godolphin and Charlie Appleby a first win in that race (and completing a Guineas double for the stable after the 2,000 Guineas). Desert Flower will likely start favourite in the Coronation if she’s in the field – a classy front-runner with a potent turn of foot. But we’ll likely also see the Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine and a few others trying to spoil the party. Aidan O’Brien, for instance, might bring over the Curragh winner or a filly like Opera Singer again if he thinks she can turn the tables.

What’s the betting angle on the Coronation? Traditionally, this race can be a chalky affair (favourites do well) but the prices are often fair since you usually have 2-3 top fillies dominating the market. It can pay to shop around for betting offers like price boosts on the “betting without the fav” market, or a matched free bet if your horse finishes 2nd – offers some UK bookmakers provide on big Group 1s. Given the likely short odds on the principals, one strategy is to forecast the exacta (first and second in correct order) if you strongly fancy two fillies to dominate. Alternatively, if you smell an upset, go for an each-way on a filly who had excuses in the Guineas and could improve now. Note any whispers about how the fillies are handling the preliminaries – Ascot’s big-crowd atmosphere can be overwhelming for these young horses, and a filly that stays calm in the parade ring might run closer to her best form than one boiling over. One more thing: ground conditions. A sudden thunderstorm on Friday could swing momentum from a proven fast-ground filly to a mudlark. The Coronation of 2020 (run on heavy ground) saw a 20/1 shock winner, so always have a plan B if the skies open. All in all, expect the Coronation to be a high-class encounter – perhaps with a regal presence in the trophy presentation – and a chance to see a new “Queen” of the fillies crowned at Ascot.

The Friday fun doesn’t stop there. The Commonwealth Cup is the other headline, a six-furlong sprint exclusively for three-year-olds, introduced only in 2015 but already a jewel of the Royal meeting. This race is a favourite of many tipsters because it often unveils the next sprint superstar. Remember Shaquille, who won in 2023 despite a chaotic start, and went on to take the July Cup against older horses? Last year (2024), the Commonwealth Cup saw Inisherin – a horse supplemented late into the race – swoop to victory (in the same yellow silks that lost their original contender to a setback). That hinted at a key angle: horses who showed a flash of brilliance in the spring, even if not in the obvious trial races, can pop up and win this if they’re peaking at the right time. For 2025, we’ll likely have the usual England vs. Ireland vs. Commonwealth (often Aussie) clash. Perhaps Elite Status (a top British juvenile from last year) will face Ireland’s best young sprinter, and who knows, maybe an American speedball trained by Wesley Ward or an Australian raider looking for glory. In betting terms, the Commonwealth can be tricky because unexposed horses can improve in leaps and bounds. It’s not rare to see a 20/1 shot win (Campanelle did it – albeit via a steward’s room – in 2020 for the U.S.). Tip: Watch the earlier sprints in the week (King Charles III Stakes on Tuesday, 5f, and the Jersey Stakes 7f for 3yo on Saturday) for clues on the sprint track. If high numbers are consistently winning, you might favour horses drawn high, etc. Also, consider the pace scenario – a cavalcade of headstrong youngsters can burn each other out. A savvy jockey who holds up a horse just off the pace might capitalize late (Oisin Murphy gave a masterclass in this last year, coming from off the pace in a few races, including Khaadem’s Jubilee win). If you fancy a favourite strongly here, you might use a betting offer like Bet365’s ITV Racing 4/1 offer (where if you win at 4/1+ you get a free bet) – as these competitive fields often yield winners at 4/1 or above. Conversely, if you’re torn between several, Dutching (splitting your stake across multiple horses) is an option, since the odds can be generous. Whatever you do, don’t skip this race – it’s usually a heart-pounding spectacle and could produce a future global sprint champion.

Friday also includes the King Edward VII Stakes (the “Ascot Derby” for 3yo colts at 1½ miles) – a race that might feature horses who ran in Epsom’s Derby or those who skipped it. It’s a smaller field, tactical affair; Aidan O’Brien often sends a good one here, and it’s another chance for Ryan Moore to shine. Punters sometimes latch onto the Derby form, but be cautious: an outsider who didn’t run at Epsom can surprise against potentially over-the-top Derby horses. And the Albany Stakes for 2yo fillies opens the card – Wesley Ward often targets this with a sharp filly. If you see Frankie Dettori listed to ride anything (though he officially hung up his boots in 2023, one never knows if he’ll make a cameo on a Ward runner as he has in the past), that alone will shorten the odds due to public sentiment! In any case, by the end of Friday, we’ll likely have seen future stars and maybe have a clearer picture of jockey/trainer championships for the week. Take a deep breath – only one day left, and it’s a doozy.

Saturday 21 June 2025 – Big Finale and Expert Betting Strategies

Day Four Royal Ascot Betting Tips

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (6f)

• Khaadem – Going for a historic third win; place chance
• Commonwealth Cup winner – Could step up and land the double
• Inisherin / Swingalong – Each-way interest if running
• Betting angle: Past winners often had Ascot sprint form. Use BOG (Best Odds Guaranteed) or enhanced win odds.

Wokingham Stakes (6f Handicap)

• Each-way heaven – 6+ places often offered
• Course specialists – Check past Royal Ascot or Ascot handicap winners
• Betting angle: Use free bets here, and don’t be afraid to back two longshots at 20/1+.

Hardwicke Stakes (1m4f)

• Pyledriver / Hukum-type horses – Look for returning G1 form
• Betting angle: Often a strong fav; use in doubles or forecast bets.

The grand finale of Royal Ascot 2025 is Saturday’s card, and it’s a blockbuster ending to a brilliant week. The feature is the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (formerly the Diamond Jubilee) – a six-furlong sprint that routinely crowns the world’s top older sprinter. This year, all eyes will be on whether Khaadem returns to attempt an unprecedented hat-trick. In 2023, Khaadem shocked everyone at 80/1 to win this race; in 2024, he proved it was no fluke by winning again at a much shorter 14/1, making him the only horse to ever win back-to-back runnings of the Jubilee since it became a Group 1. At the age of eight, Khaadem was also the oldest winner on record of this prestigious sprint, earning the moniker “evergreen hero” from his proud trainer. If his connections keep him in training at nine, a third straight victory would truly be one for the ages – but history (and Father Time) are against him. More likely, we’ll see a new sprint king or queen emerge. Perhaps the Commonwealth Cup winner from Friday will step up to take on older horses (as is often the pattern). A horse like Swingalong – mentioned for her game second in last year’s Jubilee and a former Commonwealth placed filly – could also be in the mix if she’s peaking at the right time. Australia might send another flyer, and let’s not forget the home team: trainers like Clive Cox or Charlie Appleby often have crack sprinters ready for this day.

For punters, the QEII Jubilee Stakes is a puzzle worth solving. Sprint races can be unpredictable, but trends help: high-class horses usually win (rarely an absolute outsider), and a previous course success at Ascot’s stiff 6f is a big plus. Look at horses who ran well in the spring’s major sprints (e.g., the Duke of York Stakes or Newmarket’s July Cup from last year) and check the ante-post markets for any gambles. Sometimes a horse gets touted all week (perhaps due to a favourable draw or a morning gallop that caught the eye) and you’ll see its odds crunched by Saturday. If you believe in it, get on early before the price shortens. Many UK bookmakers enhance odds or do flash boosts on the big finale race – so shop around for the best price, it’s part of being a savvy bettor to use those betting offers to your advantage. One more thing: consider the overseas factor. American sprinters occasionally try their luck here (the likes of Undrafted won in 2015 for NFL star Wes Welker), so if a well-regarded U.S. horse is in the lineup, it could spice up the odds on everyone else. As you place your bets, ask yourself rhetorically: is this pick coming from my head or my heart? – because on a big final day, sentiment can tug at you (maybe you want to back a royal runner, or the horse with the fairy-tale story). Stick to your analysis, unless your gut feeling is screaming; sometimes those fairy tales do come true at Ascot – it’s part of the magic.

Saturday’s supporting races round out the festival in style. The Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2, 1½m for older horses) often features King George or Arc hopefuls – a real treat for racing fans and a likely short-priced favourite from the top yards. If Hukum or Pyledriver (past stars) show up, they’d be popular choices. Then there’s the ultra-competitive Wokingham Stakes, a heritage handicap over 6f with a massive field – basically a slightly less exalted version of the Jubilee but with dozens of hardened handicap warriors. The Wokingham is a favourite of each-way backers and syndicate owners; picking the winner is tough, but many bookies offer extra places (sometimes up to 6 places) on this race, which is a concession worth grabbing. A cheeky strategy is to take a couple of big-price fliers each-way in the Wokingham – if either hits the frame, you’re laughing, and if one wins, you’ll dine out on the story for years. The Jersey Stakes (7f for 3yo) and Chesham Stakes (7f for 2yo, often with well-bred babies from top sires) fill out the card. These are races where looking at breeding and trainer patterns can give you an edge. Perhaps you recall Pinatubo winning the Chesham in 2019 as a hint of greatness to come. Is there a similarly exciting juvenile this year? If you spot one in the Chesham with a big reputation but still at a decent price, it might be worth a small bet just for the thrill (and future trivia of “I backed it when…”).

Now, as Royal Ascot reaches its crescendo, let’s step back and talk betting strategy to tie everything together. Five days of betting can be a rollercoaster – the emotional nuance of Ascot is that the highs are stratospheric and the lows can feel gutting. One key tip: pace yourself and manage your bankroll. It’s easy to get carried away after a big win or to chase losses after a bad day. The smart punter bets with a cool head. Maybe allocate a budget per day, or save a portion of your funds for later in the week if you have strong fancies on Friday or Saturday.

How to spot value? Look beyond the obvious. Sure, backing a short-priced favourite like a superstar filly or an unbeaten colt can pay off (and sometimes it’s the right call – e.g., when a horse like Baaeed or Frankel graced Ascot, the odds were skinny but they were as close to a sure thing as it gets). But Ascot is as much about spotting the unexposed improver or the overlooked course specialist. Scan the form for horses who love Ascot’s track – you’ll find some horses always run well here, maybe due to the stiff finish or the long straight. These “course lovers” often outrun their odds. For instance, a horse that always seems to crack the top 3 at Ascot, even if out of form elsewhere, could represent huge each-way value. Also, consider trainer and jockey form: if, say, William Haggas or Sir Michael Stoute hits a purple patch during the week (multiple winners), their other runners might be in better form than their odds suggest. Conversely, if a big stable is misfiring (maybe a virus or the ground not suiting their string), be cautious backing their favourites blindly.

When to back favourites? Generally, when they have strong form in large fields or at Ascot and the opposition doesn’t have obvious improvers. For example, if a favourite is a Classic winner dropping in class against horses who haven’t proven themselves at Group 1 level, a solid win bet is justified. But if a favourite is based on hype (like the buzz around City Of Troy was before he flopped in the Guineas), or if you spot chinks in their form (maybe a tendency to sweat or slow starts), you might find better value opposing them. Royal Ascot 2024 taught us that even the most “hyped” horses can disappoint – City Of Troy, touted as a generational talent, lost as an odds-on favourite, and even a solid champ like Notable Speech tasted defeat. So evaluate each favourite case by case. There’s no shame in backing a 2/1 shot if you think it should be 1/1, just as there’s wisdom in backing a 20/1 shot that you think should be 8/1. Value is value, regardless of price.

We’ve talked a lot about betting offers and indeed they are your friend this week. Almost every major UK bookmaker has special Royal Ascot promotions – from enhanced odds on the big races, to extra places on handicaps, to money-back specials if your horse finishes second to the SP favourite. Take a few minutes each morning to scan what’s available. For instance, some bookies might offer “Bet £10 on the first race, get a £5 free bet for each of the next four races.” These can boost your play money and also encourage you to bet systematically rather than impulsively. If you haven’t yet, consider signing up to a new betting site that has a generous welcome bonus tailored for Royal Ascot – just be sure to read the terms (some require specific minimum odds or certain bet types). Another strategy: if you’re eyeing a big priced outsider, check if any bookie is offering Best Odds Guaranteed, so you don’t miss out if its SP drifts even higher. Most traditional firms do this as standard, but it’s worth confirming, especially if you bet early.

Finally, a word on the intangible: enjoy the experience. Royal Ascot is not just about making money – it’s five days of sporting theatre, history, and yes, occasional digressions into cultural spectacle (you might find yourself momentarily distracted by a particularly outrageous hat in the Royal Enclosure, or a celebrity spotting in the crowd). Allow yourself a smile and soak in the scene. If a long-shot you never saw coming wins, laugh it off – it happens to all of us. If your nap of the week bolts up, celebrate (responsibly!) and perhaps take a moment to savour it with a beverage of choice. As a bettor, nothing feels quite as good as nailing an Ascot tip after doing your homework.

In closing, “Royal Ascot Betting Tips: 17–21 June 2025” has taken us on a tour through the week, highlighting where the favourites lie and where the value might lurk. We’ve mixed racing expertise with casual commentary, because that’s what the Ascot experience is – part serious analysis, part joyous conversation among friends (and sometimes within one’s own head!). By balancing these approaches, you’ll be ready to tackle the festival with confidence. May your bets be well-placed, may the odds be ever in your favour, and above all, may you enjoy this spectacular festival of horse racing. After all, Royal Ascot comes just once a year – it’s our Cup final, our big dance. So get your bets on, embrace the excitement, and let the best horses (and bets) win! Good luck and happy punting at Royal Ascot 2025 – let’s make some memories (and hopefully a few quid) this week.