It is finally here! Yes, Royal Ascot week is upon us, the holy grail for Flat racing lovers. We should be in for a treat as the top stars grace our screens. Each and every race can be watched on ITV Racing.
Ascot is a pretty unique track where course form can be absolutely crucial when looking for that illusive winner. Here we will concentrate on some of the former course winners that should be worth following on Tuesday.
Arguably the banker of the entire week, Palace Pier looks set to go off long odds-on for this Group 1. The four-year-old Kingman colt only tasted defeat once in his eight starts, which was here in the QEII last October. He beat Pinatubo in the St James’s Palace Stakes over course and distance last year and it will be a surprise if he is turned over in this.
The fastest horse in Britain is back! Battaash goes well fresh and won this race last year so he looks the horse to beat. He won all three starts last year, landing his fourth King George before landing the Nunthorpe at York later in the year. Stone Of Destiny is the only other course winner in the lineup who could run into a place at huge odds late on, but Hills’ runner will take stopping.
Knowing your way around here can be a major advantage and last year’s winner Coeur De Lion looks set to go well again. He is now only 3lb higher in the weights and had a nice prep for this at Chester when last seen running a cracking in the Chester Cup. The Irish could have a strong hand in this but he is an each-way contender.
Check out the myracing experts’ Royal Ascot tips and don’t forget to check out the latest Ascot free bets and offers to get a headstart on your festival punting.