Royal Ascot Predictions: Day Three Preview, and Odds (June 22)

• High-quality racing action continues at Royal Ascot on Thursday, June 22
• Graded action headlined by the prestigious G1 Gold Cup at 11:20 a.m. ET

The big day at Royal Ascot takes place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, as the flagship race of the event is staged. The Ascot Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious races on the international calendar, and a thrilling race lies in wait. There will also be graded races in the forms of the Hampton Court, Ribblesdale, and the competitive Norfolk Stakes.

Schedule and How To Watch

• When: Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. ET
• Where: Ascot Racecourse, London, England
• How To Watch: NBC

Ascot Gold Cup

Odds

Latest odds taken from an offshore sportsbook.

Race Preview

The standout race on day three of Royal Ascot gets underway at 11:20 a.m. ET, with the 2023 edition of the G1 Gold Cup. A total distance of two miles and four furlongs will be covered by the field, and the complexion of the betting has changed in recent days, with Eldar Eldarov moving to the top of the betting for Roger Varian.

The runner made a pleasing return to action to finish second over a mile and six at York, and has previous experience over this distance when finishing seventh in the G1 British Champions Long Distance Cup. However, the ground went against him that day, and the conditions for the race on Thursday look to ensure his pace could be a decisive factor in the closing stages.

Coltrane was the long-time favorite for the race after making a dominant return to action at Ascot in early May. He won over the two-mile distance by a commanding four lengths, and has previous winning experience over this distance having beat Trueshan on good-to-soft ground last September. At the prices now, I’d be willing to sway with Coltrane over Eldar Eldarov.

Broome is one of my favorite runners, and he finally got his bid day when winning at Meydan in late March, but he was back in third on his UK return, behind the Gold Cup favorite.

Yibir is the real big unknown in this field, as he steps up to this marathon trip for the first time. It could help resurrect his career after he has struggled over a mile and four since winning the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf. But, his pedigree does suggest he is a natural stayer. Echoes in Rain is also fascinating for jumps trainer Willie Mullins, but he would likely prefer some juice in the ground.

Royal Ascot Predictions

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Ribblesdale Stakes

Odds

Latest odds taken from an offshore sportsbook.

Race Preview

The Ribblesdale Stakes is due off at 10:40 a.m. ET, and makes for a fascinating contest between fillies aged three. A number of runners in the field will likely not be competing at Royal Ascot, including Savethelastdance, and Azazat. That makes for an interesting puzzle to try and breakdown.

Connections seem to think Infinite Cosmos could be a special horse, and Sir Michael Stoute last won this in 2003 with Spanish Sun. The three-year-old finished over four lengths behind Soul Sister at York in late May, and I’d be slightly concerned surrounding her chances, especially if she goes off favorite.

Soul Sister held off Savethelastdance to win the G1 Epsom Oaks in early June, and if she comes to Royal Ascot, she must go off favorite. However, I sense that she will also bypass this commitment.

Therefore, the preference is for Bluestocking, a filly from Camelot. She showed great progression on her first start this year, beaten by just a head by Warm Heart at Newbury. I’d expect this Ralph Beckett runner to come on from that effort, and she could be the most improved runner in this field of fillies.

Royal Ascot Predictions

Norfolk Stakes

Odds

Latest odds taken from an offshore sportsbook.

Race Preview

Day three at Royal Ascot kicks off with one of the most exciting races of the whole week, as the United States and British trainers clash in the G2 Norfolk Stakes. A total distance of five furlongs will be covered by the two-year-olds involved, and the contest boasts a ‘Win and You’re In’ for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.

Wesley Ward brings American Rascal to the UK for this race, as the runner looks to follow in the footsteps of his mother, Lady Aurelia, by winning at Royal Ascot. The American-trained runner was excellent on his first career start, landing success by a widening ten-length margin at Keeneland. However, he could be upstaged by Elite Status.

The Karl Burke-runner was equally as impressive on debut, storming to success at Doncaster over five furlongs. However, his most recent effort was even more impressive, as he stormed clear of the field to beat World of Darcy by five lengths in the National Stakes at Sandown to score an official rating of 108. It should be a thrilling showdown, but preference lies with the British contender.

Royal Ascot Predictions

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