Royal Ascot Day 1 Picks, Preview, and Odds (Jun 17)

One of the most glamorous events on the horse racing schedule is set to get underway on Tuesday, June 17. Royal Ascot will feature five days of high-quality racing action, with a total of three Group Ones being contested on the opening afternoon. You can find our Royal Ascot Day 1 Picks here.

How To Watch

• When: Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 9:30 PM ET
• Where: Ascot Racecourse, England
• How To Watch: FanDuel TV

Queen Anne Stakes Picks

The opening race of Royal Ascot will be a fascinating contest over a mile for the older horses in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes. The G1 Lockinge form will be represented, with Lead Artist getting the better of Notable Speech, Dancing Gemini, and Rosallion at Newbury last month.

However, the preference is for the latter to turn that form on its head. The Richard Hannon-trained runner was excellent over course and distance last year when beating the talented Henry Longfellow in the G1 St. James’s Palace Stakes, and likely needed that return effort to get back up to speed after nearly a year off the track.

Free Pick:

• Rosallion

READ More: U.S. Open Odds, Preview, and Picks (2025)

King Charles III Stakes Picks

Group One action featuring sprinters over a mile is set for the King Charles III Stakes. Last year’s winner, Asfoora, has a run under her belt, while Believing could be a leading contender based on his finishing effort for theGeorgee Boughey yard last June.

However, I’ve been waiting for Night Raider to drop down to the minimum trip, and five furlongs could unlock the potential in the Karl Burke runner. There was enough to like about his comeback effort over six furlongs in the G2 Clipper Stakes last month when beaten four lengths by the hugely impressive Inisherin. Down in trip, a good draw will make him a standout pick for the week.

Free Pick:

• Night Raider

St James’s Palace Stakes Picks

The feature on day one of Royal Ascot will feature the winners of the 2,000 Guineas from the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland. Ruling Court held off Field Of Court in the British race at Newmarket at the start of May, but the second on that day looked better than ever when winning the Irish version of the Classic.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained runner will now be in the hands of Colin Keane, and that is a major plus in my opinion. Field Of Gold can win races using any tactics, meaning that he isn’t likely to be hampered should they crawl round Ascot or go a lightning pace. Hard to overlook the market leader.

Free Pick:

• Field Of Gold

Other Royal Ascot Day 1 Picks