This year’s Royal Ascot will be one of the most unique in its history. It might not be one of the Triple Crown races, but even Americans can appreciate the races, even if only for the betting side of it.
For the first time ever, there will be no fans in attendance for the huge day of racing, which includes the Queen. One of the biggest drawing points for the week of racing is Queen Elizabeth and other members of the royal family being in attendance.
However, due to the regulations in place, the royals will be unable to attend this year. However, the racing will continue as planned, which means gamblers will already be looking ahead to some of the biggest races of the week. But, which horses are the favourites to claim wins in these?
Ascot Gold Cup
The biggest race of the week is the Ascot Gold Cup. The race has been won by a host of newsworthy winners, with Yeats, Rite of Passage and Order of St George all winning since 2000. Last year’s winner Stradivarius will be back again, as Frankie Dettori will be looking to win onboard the famous six-year-old for the third year running at Ascot.
He will come into the race as the heavy favourite having won ten of his previous eleven starts. However, his last outing will ensure that there remains a doubt in gamblers minds, as he was beaten at Ascot by Kew Gardens in October.
The winner on that day will also be among the favourites. That win projected Kew Gardens into a new orbit, but prior to that victory, he had won just once in his previous five. On the last appearance at Ascot, he will be a challenger. Meanwhile, there will also be money in the market for Technician, Cross Counter and Dee Ex Bee. However, the preference for the Ascot Gold Cup will once again be for Stradivarius.
June 7, 2020; Arcadia, CA, USA; McKinzie and jockey Mike Smith win the Grade II, $200,000 Triple Bend Stakes, Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA. Mandatory Credit: Benoit Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Commonwealth Cup
The Commonwealth Cup will also be one of the big prizes in Royal Ascot week, with three-year-old horses gunning for the Group 1 price. Previous winners have included Caravaggio, Advertise and Muhaarar. There is once again a competitive market for the race, with very little separating the favourites in the market.
Pierre Lapin will be the favourite in the race for trainer Roger Varian. He has shown his quality over his two starts, as he has won both. Pierre Lapin’s first run came at Haydock where he won by three and a half lengths from Visible Charm. He followed this up with another huge victory over Mystery Power at Newbury.
Earthlight could also be a popular pick for gamblers, as he has more experience racing despite being the same age. His record is also perfect after winning on all five stats. All of these runs came last year, with his most recent success coming at Newmarket in September. On that occasion, he beat Golden Horde, who is also among the favourites for this race.
Raffle Prize is also rated at the same odds at Golden Horde, as he has won three of his previous six. He will also be Frankie Dettori’s ride in this race, which will make him a popular pick with the punters. Also among the front runners for the race will be Mums Tipple, Kimari and Threat.
It will be a big and competitive field for the Commonwealth Cup this year, which means gamblers will also be looking for each-way value. Four Wheel Drive and Pinatubo could both present each-way value for gamblers. However, the preference to win the race would be for Earthlight, who has enjoyed an excellent start to his racing career.
