Willie Carson, the Scottish hero who rode 56 winners at Royal Ascot, has shared his tips for the 2026 showpiece and named his standout star. The legendary jockey will be present as usual to witness today's stars etch their names into racing folklore during the glittering week in Berkshire.
Carson's Top Fancies for Royal Ascot 2026
Carson has a number of fancies over the five days and has shared his thoughts on picks and tips for the Royal meeting. He went through the Grade 1 contests from Tuesday to Saturday, offering insights on each race.
Queen Anne Stakes
In the Queen Anne, Notable Speech stands out as Carson's strongest fancy in the curtain-raiser. Although he has not won at Ascot yet, the manner of his victory in the Lockinge was outstanding.
St James's Palace Stakes
Bow Echo is Carson's standout selection in the St James's Palace. His performance in the Guineas was exceptional, and Carson genuinely believes he could end up being horse of the year. Having seen a photo of him in Newmarket, he described the horse as an incredible specimen and one of his strongest picks of the entire week.
King Charles III Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes
Overpass looks set to take plenty of beating in the King Charles III, while Joliestar makes a huge appeal in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee. Carson noted that these Australian sprinters operate at another level, and given the calibre of horses they have been competing against, including Ka Ying Rising, regarded as the best sprinter in the world, European runners may have a difficult task.
Prince of Wales's Stakes
In the Prince of Wales's Stakes, Carson is prepared to oppose Daryz with Ombudsman. He expects a fascinating contest but believes the Godolphin runner could have the advantage if conditions remain on the quicker side.
Gold Cup
Carson is happy to look beyond Scandinavia in the Gold Cup. Rahiebb made a huge impression on him with his return at York, and although Scandinavia got the better of him in the Leger, Carson is backing Rahiebb to reverse that result over the much longer trip.
Commonwealth Cup
Venetian Sun is another horse Carson feels very strongly about in the Commonwealth Cup. What she produced at Haydock was remarkable, and he thinks the rest may simply be trying to keep up with her.
Coronation Stakes
Precise looked to have taken a significant step forward from the Newmarket Guineas judging by her victory in Ireland. She sets a high standard in the Coronation, but Carson would not overlook Touleen, as he thinks she could improve again from her Guineas run.
Willie Carson was speaking on behalf of Horse.Bet.
