The experts at TWE have analysed the form and honed in on their top horses to follow on Royal Ascot day 1.
See our picks below.
Top Horses to Follow on Royal Ascot Day 1
The St James’s Palace Stakes (16:20) - Notable Speech
One of the most highly anticipated races of the whole meeting boasting some of the highest quality in flat racing, the St James’s Palace promises to be a race for the ages.
The most highly anticipated clash will be that of 2000 Guineas 1 – 2 NOTABLE SPEECH and Rosallion locking horns again, with the Godolphin charge looking to confirm the one and a half-length victory over Rosallion and prove himself over some talented Irish raiders.
This unbeaten Dubawi Colt will look to maintain his unbeaten record and build on his Classic success for Charlie Appleby and the boys in blue.
When looking at the trends, 9/10 past winners were in the top three of the market, with 7/10 previously winning a Group 1 this shows the significance of NOTABLE SPEECH winning the Guineas.
With William Buick in the saddle as usual, there is no reason to suggest that NOTABLE SPEECH cannot continue his impressive rise up the ranks and cap off his 2000 Guineas win with a victory at the Royal meeting, cementing himself as the cream of the crop of two year—olds in 2024.
The St James’s Palace Stakes (16:20)
NOTABLE SPEECH @ 11/8
The King’s Stand Stakes (15:40) - Big Evs
One of the finest five-furlong prospects we have seen in recent years, BIG EVS three-year-old campaign went off without a hitch when scoring easily in the Westow Stakes at York under a 5lb penalty.
After previously ticking off the Windsor Castle and finishing strongly in Santa Anita at the Breeders Cup, a second Royal Ascot victory at only three years old would confirm BIG EVS status as one of the most impressive sprinters in recent years.
After dominating at two, the only blip on his impressive CV was at last years Nunthorpe Stakes where rather ominously, he failed to put it up to Regional one of the main dangers who will be reopposing.
However things were quickly put right, and Michael Appleby is on the record as stating just how good Big Evs has looked at home and strengthened up into a three year old.
As suggested by the name, BIG EVS is certainly a strapping horse quoted to be “like a bull” and this can only be a good sign considering he is receiving weight from most of the field.
Although trends show that 8/10 of the last winners were drawn in stall 7 or higher, BIG EVS draw of 6 will be of minimal concern.
Confidence from the Appleby team, receiving anywhere from 3 to 6lbs from a majority of the field and favourable ground are all huge ticks against his name, and this confidence should translate to a pleasing run in this years King Charles III.
The King’s Stand Stakes (15:40)
BIG EVS @ 4/1
The Wolferton Stakes (17:40) - Ouzo
A race renowned for throwing up a long odds winner, the Wolferton Stakes is one of the most highly contested Listed races of the summer calendar. The Jamie Osborne-trained OUZO is the horse of interest here looking to defy his odds of 25/1 and land a four-timer for the Lambourn-based team.
Already a course winner over a mile, Ouzo and Saffie Osborne enjoyed a roaring success over 1m1f in Meydan over the winter and head here after dominating handicap company looking progressive at every step and fully deserving a shot at Listed success.
An interesting statistic to note is that 6/10 of the previous winners were drawn in the single figures, with all six coming between 5-7. OUZO's draw of 5 certainly looks more appealing on this evidence.
This, coupled with finishing a promising 6 th of 30 in last year’s Hunt Cup shows that OUZO is no stranger to a big field at Ascot and on that viewing would easily handle an extra furlong as an 8-year-old.
A career-best will be needed, however the horse maintains a fine partnership with Saffie Osborne and is currently in fine fettle after a productive winter campaign and comes to a track he relishes. Big EW player.
The Wolferton Stakes (17:40)
OUZO @ 25/1
More Royal Ascot Racing Tips
If you’re looking for more Royal Ascot tips then look no further, the experts at TWE have put together full previews and betting tips for each day of the festival;
In addition to the Royal Ascot tips, we recommend you check out the rest of TWE and all of the multiples bets that we have available. These include:
Other specific tips available include: