Newsboy delivers his expert analysis and selections for all seven races on the first day of Royal Ascot, offering detailed insights and a 1-2-3 prediction for each contest.
2.30 Queen Anne Stakes
OPERA BALLO is tipped to challenge stablemate Notable Speech, the favourite for the opener. Trainer Charlie Appleby has had only one winner from 36 Royal Ascot runners since 2022, but both Notable Speech and Opera Ballo have strong claims. Opera Ballo, unraced at two, improved as a three-year-old, winning the Group 1 Jebel Hatta and Group 2 bet365 Mile this season. He led all the way to beat Field Of Gold by three lengths at Sandown. Notable Speech, More Thunder, and defending champion Docklands are feared.
Newsboy's 1-2-3: 1 OPERA BALLO, 2 NOTABLE SPEECH, 3 DOCKLANDS
3.05 Coventry Stakes
CONFUCIUS, ridden by Ryan Moore for Aidan O'Brien, is expected to shine. O'Brien has a record 11 Coventry Stakes wins. Confucius, a 1.7m guinea purchase, debuted with a narrow loss at the Curragh then won impressively at Naas, beating Alaskan Bear by three and three-quarter lengths. Stablemate Great Barrier Reef is unbeaten, while Ruler's Pride, Cut A Dash, and Siouxperb are also noted.
Newsboy's 1-2-3: 1 CONFUCIUS, 2 SIOUXPERB, 3 GREAT BARRIER REEF
3.40 King Charles III Stakes
RUMSTAR has yet to win a Group 1 but has run well in top company. He was hampered by a poor draw in this race last year and finished fifth in the Nunthorpe and last in the Prix de l'Abbaye. After 209 days off, he was second in the Palace House Stakes. Rumstar can reward each-way support. Australian Overpass, French Raveyka, and Time For Sandals are dangers.
Newsboy's 1-2-3: 1 RUMSTAR, 2 OVERPASS, 3 AMERICAN AFFAIR
4.20 St James's Palace Stakes
BOW ECHO is unbeaten and aiming for a second Group 1 win. The son of Night Of Thunder won the Royal Lodge Stakes last year and the 2,000 Guineas in May, beating Gstaad by two and three-quarter lengths. Trainer George Boughey reports he has strengthened. Gstaad, since winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas, is the main threat.
Newsboy's 1-2-3: 1 BOW ECHO, 2 GSTAAD, 3 TALK OF NEW YORK
5.00 Ascot Stakes
WESTMINSTER MOON is on the up after a win at the Curragh. The six-year-old started in Poland, moved to Germany, and now trains with Tony Martin. After a string of poor efforts, he won a handicap at the Curragh, beating Marazion by a length and a half. An 8lb rise still leaves him well treated. Reaching High, Galileo Dame, and Bahadur are considered.
Newsboy's 1-2-3: 1 WESTMINSTER MOON, 2 REACHING HIGH, 3 BAHADUR
5.35 Wolferton Stakes
NAHRAAN made rapid progress as a three-year-old in 2025. Unraced at two, he won a novice stakes, then the Listed Glasgow Stakes, and was third in the Prix du Prince d'Orange. He has untapped potential. Defending champion Haatem, King's Gambit, and Enfjaar are respected.
Newsboy's 1-2-3: 1 NAHRAAN, 2 KING'S GAMBIT, 3 HAATEM
6.10 Copper Horse Stakes
DAIQUIRI BAY returned from a gelding operation to win at Newmarket on 2,000 Guineas day. The Alan King-trained son of New Bay finished third in the Melrose Handicap last August and won over 12 furlongs after 204 days off. A 4lb rise is manageable. Valiancy, Ernst Blofeld, and Duraji are threats.
Newsboy's 1-2-3: 1 DAIQUIRI BAY, 2 ERNST BLOFELD, 3 VALIANCY
