Royal Ascot Day One ITV Racing Tips & Betting Preview

BARNEY ROY (best price 6-1) returned to track at Ascot back in May and was narrowly beaten by Zaaki, who has since gone on to beat Oh This Is Us at Epsom. Charlie Appleby’s horse followed that up by coming through the field to score over in France, though it has to be noted this win was against lessor opponents. This field is pretty weak, and with that turn of foot still being there, the 6/1 looks a decent price.

This race should see Ryan Moore open his 2019 Royal Ascot account. Luckily for ARIZONA (best price 11-4), Aidan O’Brien has a cracking record in this race, and so do favourites. He won his maiden in unbelievable fashion at Curragh, and there’s no reason to back against him from that.

There’s no doubting the quality of Battaash, and if Charles Hill’s horse was to run his best then he’d have enough to win this race. However, I have concerns investing my money in this horse, and I simply can’t trust him now. Therefore, I’m siding with the impressive BLUE POINT (best price 3-1), who absolutely loves Ascot. The Godolphin horse looks to have improved further this season, winning three races on the trot. Keep an eye on Mabs Cross, might be worth an each-way punt.

Excuses can be made for TOO DARN HOT (best price 5-2) this season. He stepped up in trip when making his reappearance at York. On that occasion he finished second to Telecaster. He then made a very quick return to the track, which proved to be the wrong decision. A fresh Too Darn Hot over the preferred distance should have too much for Phoenix Of Spain.

It’s worth taking a punt on CIRCUS MAXIMUS (best price 14-1) with the weather predicted. O’Brien’s horse wasn’t settled and stumbled out of the stalls when running at Epsom earlier in the month. The three-year-old drops back to a trip which he should be better suited to. Phoenix Of Spain only narrowly finished ahead of him when the pair met last October. He’s got the ability to run into a place, and 12/1 looks a pretty whopping price.

It’s pretty tricky to pick a winner out of this field, as a lot have reasons to win but none of them are that convincing. The first one I’ve decided to go with is MIXBOY (best price 33-1). Mixboy will stay this distance and comes into the race looking to land a hat-trick. The weather also won’t be a concern.

The other I’ve chosen also comes into the race off the back of a win. COEUR DE LION (best price 7-1) runs for Alan King and finished 6th in this race back in 2016. The six-year-old comes into the race in much better form, and will relish the softer ground.

MAGIC WAND (best price 9-2) won here last season, and has been pretty impressive on most runs since, despite not winning. The four-year-old won’t want too much rain, but even with the forecast she’s worth siding with.  She shouldn’t be bothered by the shorter trip, and I’m shocked to see 5/1 on offer.