BET ROYAL ASCOT

ROYAL ASCOT BETTING TIPS

NYRA Bets handicapper Matthew DeSantis is here to help you learn the basics of Royal Ascot, dive into Royal Ascot handicapping angles, and discuss some of the favorites you want to single or play against throughout the week.

Royal Ascot Handicapping and Trends

There are two basic types of races during Royal Ascot—straights and bends. All sprints (and mile) races are done in a straight line, which is quite a departure for North American horses who are accustomed to doing one turn where they can often catch a breather. The tactics of running a straight race is something European jockeys have mastered in terms of when to make their move, but often North American jockeys will struggle to find their footing on when to use their horses. Longer races do not feature oval turns like in North America as they go around gentle bends, which makes saving ground less crucial.

However, there are still trends that have emerged in recent years in both of those races. In straight races, horses that have drawn the higher post numbers. Last year, 22-24 horses (92%) of horses finishing in the exacta drew post 10 or higher. While a jockey might be able to guide their horse over from one side to the other, they tend to stick to their lanes.

We do find inside posts do better the longer they go both in straight races and around bends. One-mile straight races feature the highest percentage of inside-to-middle post position winners last year and then races two miles or longer also feature the most inside post winners. Therefore, it is critical to pay attention to post draw, particularly in sprint races where the middle-to-outpost post bias has been prevalent the last several years.

Post vs. Saddlecloth Numbers

There is never-ending confusion for North American racing fans for why horses racing internationally break for post positions that are different than the numbers on their saddlecloth. Alas, the rest of the world must deal with us measuring things in feet, yards, and miles, so I guess we must deal with this. In any event, saddlecloth numbers are determined by alphabetical order and then post positions are drawn separately. Therefore, be aware that when you see the saddlecloth number of a horse parading around the paddock before the race, that does not necessarily correspond with their post position.

History of Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is one of the most highly-regarded horse racing meets in the world, held annually in mid-June at the historic Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England. The event dates back to 1711 and is famous for its royal patronage, fashion, and, of course, world-class racing.

While the event primarily features British-trained horses and jockeys, American horses and trainers have enjoyed success at Royal Ascot over the years. One of the most memorable moments came in 2016 when American trainer Wesley Ward won two races, including the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Stakes, with his star sprinter, Lady Aurelia. Other notable American victories at Royal Ascot include Tepin's win in the Queen Anne Stakes in 2016 and California Chrome's second-place finish in the Prince of Wales's Stakes in 2015.

NYRA Bets customers can wager on every race at Royal Ascot, making it easy to get in on the action from across the pond. When it comes to betting on Royal Ascot, it's important to do your research and consider factors like form, pedigree, and track conditions. Royal Ascot tips from expert handicappers can also help you make informed wagers and maximize your chances of success.

If you're wondering when is Royal Ascot, mark your calendar for June 17 - 21, 2025, when the event returns with five days of thrilling racing. And if you're ready to bet on Royal Ascot, be sure to sign up for NYRA Bets to access all the action and excitement from the comfort of your own home.