Royal Ascot: Day 2 Picks & Best Bets (Jun 17)
The high-quality action at Royal Ascot continues on Day 2 in England, as the four group races headline the card. The action on Wednesday is headlined by the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, which features two of the highest-rated turf horses in training. You can find our best bets and our Royal Ascot Day 2 picks here.
How to Watch Royal Ascot
- When: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 9:30 AM ET
- Where: Ascot Racecourse, England
- How to Watch: NBC/Peacock
Royal Ascot Day 2 Picks
Group Two Queen Mary Stakes Preview & Picks
- When: 9:30 AM ET
- Distance: 5 Furlongs
- Last Year’s Winner: True Love (Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien)
The second day at Royal Ascot kicks off with a very competitive renewal of the G2 Queen Mary Stakes, run over a distance of five furlongs. Aidan O’Brien’s runners will dominate the betting, while there will also be American interest.
However, Karl Burke could record a third victory in five editions of the Queen Mary with Wild Blossom. The two-year-old was extremely eye-catching on debut last month when streaking clear of the field to land a maiden at Carlisle by ten lengths.
Her sire Mehmas was a high class performer as a juvenile, winning the July Stakes and Richmond Stakes.
ALSO SEE: World Cup 2026: Our Experts Share Their World Cup Picks
Group One Prince of Wales’s Stakes Preview & Picks
- When: 11:20 AM ET
- Distance: 1 Mile 2 Furlongs
- Last Year’s Winner: Ombudsman (William Buick/John & Thady Gosden)
One of the highest quality races at Royal Ascot this year will come in the form of the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Two of the top rated turf horses in training will collide, with Arc victor Daryz taking on last year’s winner of this race Ombudsman. The latter would be the balance play for the Gosden yard.
The five-year-old was dazzling when winning this race 12 months ago, and he continued to show ability at Ascot when only narrowly beaten by Calandagan in the G1 Champion Stakes.
Still looks to be at that level based on his two efforts this season, winning the G1 Dubai Turf in Meydan before returning with victory in Britain in the G3 Brigadier Gerard.
Royal Hunt Cup Preview & Picks
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Distance: 1 Mile
- Last Year’s Winner: My Cloud (Silvestre De Sousa/Roger Varian)
The most competitive betting event on Day 2 at Royal Ascot is the Royal Hunt Cup. Seven of the last 12 winners of the race have been priced at double-digit odds, meaning it could be worth taking a chance on a price.
Altareq is a very interesting contender for the Jim Goldie yard. The four-year-old has performed to a high level since joining the stable, and looked back to his best when only narrowly touched off at Hamilton over an extended mile last time.
This drop back in distance will be a plus, while a return to a faster surface also bodes well for his chances.
