Punters Panel: Royal Ascot betting advice from our experts
Royal Ascot 2025 has delivered plenty of high-class performances in its opening three days – and there's plenty more still to come!
Get clued up on both Friday and Saturday's cards from the Royal meeting with the help of our five-man Punters Panel.
Introducing the Odds Now Horse Racing Punters Panel
Before we get stuck in, here’s a little bit more on the four men answering our key questions this week:
SD - The self-proclaimed ‘star of the show’ on Races Now, who has been going viral with his daily tips and betting ring analysis in recent weeks.
Adam Smith - A betting industry veteran, flat lover and one half of our Races Now double act.
Harry Fowler - One of Odds Now’s regular racing contributors, currently working in the industry.
Andy Jones - Describes himself as an "average punter" of 24 years who, quite simply, loves the game.
Mick Doonan - Racing lover. Ex-podcaster, ex-blogger, ex-tipster – but forever a punter!
Now, onto the good stuff...
The first of two Group 1s on Friday, who wins the Commonwealth Cup?
SD - I think Ain’t Nobody has a chance. Nobody loves him better than me and he’s ran his best races so far at the track. I didn’t think it was a strong renewal and is ripe for a result.
AS - I'm confident Shadow Of Light will win. A class horse who ran really well over a trip too far in the Guineas. I've also tipped Diablo Rojo on Races Now at a massive price each way.
HF - Going into the week, I would have been confident that Shadow Of Light would get the job done as he could be a superstar in this sprinting division. But I am worried about stable form and the lack of winners for Charlie Appleby at Royal Ascot. With that in mind, I fancy Babouche. She was very impressive last time putting behind her reappearance run.
AJ - Big Mojo. We saw American Affair win earlier this week after defeat at Haydock previously, when trying to come from off the pace in the middle of the course. Big Mojo ran that day in Sandy Lane and also struggled from off the pace from the middle of the track. I think this will suit him much more and he’s a big enough price. Small stakes though – drawn 12 and it depends how much bias there is on the rail.
MD - Very unoriginal but think Shadow Of Light is a fine horse and should win back at the trip. At an each-way price, Sky Majesty won’t mind any ground. Has won on heavy and good to firm – back onto turf should suit.
We then have the Coronation Cup at 4:20pm on Friday, where Zarigana has been on the drift. Are you for or against?
SD - I found the race nigh on impossible. It is conglomeration of fillies whom I don’t think are near the top. Time will probably show it’s a feral renewal and I’m not having a bet.
AS - I'm really not sure about Zarigana – but that's not to say she can't win. I'm backing Cercene each way for Joseph G Murphy.
HF - Against. Ralph Beckett has been very quiet this season but he’s been so patient with Chantilly Lace and I think that will be rewarded.
AJ - With She's Perfect flopping in France last time, French horses haven't really performed this week and she is drifting for her UK debut .I can't say she appeals to me at this stage. I like Chantilly Lace, who only had the two runs and last time was a very commendable fifth in the 1000 Guineas.
MD - I’m for her. There isn’t much she’s up against here in my opinion. Ground maybe is the only concern.
Do you fancy anything else at Ascot Friday?
SD - Miss Nighfall was desperately unlucky last time at Goodwood. Granted a better passage this time, I think she’ll take a hell of a lot of beating – especially with Murphy in the driving seat.
AS - I think French Duke has been kept quiet this year specifically for this race. Ran a blinder in almost impossible circumstances over course and distance at this meeting last year.
HF - In the King Edward VII Stakes (5:35), to keep it simple I think Amiloc will win.
AJ - I loved Gold Digger's debut and the form is working out. Drawn well, if Jamie Spencer has learned from his shocker on La Botte yesterday then she’ll go close in the Albany.
MD - I like Zgharta in the Sandringham each way. She will get a good pace to aim at while dropping back to a mile and the mark of 88 will do her good.
Saturday's feature, the Jubilee Stakes, looks a cracker. Where is your money going?
SD - I have a working hypothesis that Annaf is a much better horse at Ascot than elsewhere. At current odds of 50/1, I’ll take my chances to see if that’s true.
AS - Four of the first five in the market are trained outside of England and I simply don't know enough about them. No bet for me – a cracking race though.
HF - I have backed Storm Boy ante post at a bigger price and I do think that he will bounce back from that first run since coming over from Australia. It is a tricky race as I personally don't rate Inisherin – but admittedly I am no expert on Japanese or French racing.
AJ - The Japanese horse Satano Reve is the joint-highest rated in the race for a reason. He’s got a good draw and has been over in the UK for a while. He’ll win.
MD - I am on Storm Boy ante post but he’s short enough now. I think he'll take a lot of beating if the ground stays fast.
Anything else at Ascot on Saturday?
SD - In the unlikely event Elmonjed becomes a reserve runner for the Wokingham, I think this race is made for him. A strong run six at Ascot will suit. Maureen and William must be spitting feathers at him not making the cut and I share their pain.
AS - Bellum Justum is way too big for the Hardwicke at 3:05. Back to a quick surface. Already a winner at this level and this trip this season.
HF - In the Chesham at 2:30, Humidity is the one for me. A winner of a Newbury maiden I have followed religiously so far. The 4th, 7th and 11th have won next time out, while the 14th was an 80/1 second in the Coventry. He may not have won by a sparkling margin but the form has worked out rather well.
AJ - Paladium each way in the Hardwick. Never raced on Good to Firm but no reason why this German Derby winner can’t go well after a very encouraging first start for John Gosden, who is in great form.
MD - If Saracan runs in the Jersey, I would be a backer. Thrown into the Greenham on just his second start, he ran a credible third. Beaten by Jonquil and Rashabar, which are now both Group One horses in my opinion.
Finally. Just how good is Field Of Gold?
SD - I thought he produced an orgasmic performance in Tuesday worthy of high praise. He looks the real deal. From a race going perspective, and connections do have an obligation to racegoers, it would be good if he went to Goodwood and didn’t channel hop instead.
AS - He looked very good didn't he. Beating two Guineas winners by a long way. The yard also have the best ten furlong horse in the country, so we could see Field Of Gold Stick at a mile. A very exciting horse.
HF - Yes, he is very good! It is so exciting to see a good one like this. I do think as much as he is a superstar, top top horses don't have excuses like the jockey went a furlong too late personally. The Sussex will be a real test and a great race.
AJ - Superb. And to think people actually defended Kieron Shoemark in the Guineas. It’s just wild!
MD - I was totally against Field Of Gold in the St James’s Palace, though I think he’s as good as any winner. Up there with Kingman and Palace Pier for me.