Kevin Blake offers expert insights for punters at Royal Ascot, particularly focusing on the second day of the event. With a lineup of high-stakes races, anticipation is building among racing enthusiasts.
Key Races and Betting Tips for Royal Ascot
On Wednesday, the second day of Royal Ascot commences with the Queen Mary Stakes, set to take place at 14:30. This race is known for showcasing Europe’s premier two-year-old fillies. Blake has a strong inclination towards the Aidan O’Brien-trained horse, Victorious, who has shown promise in her past runs. She has already secured victories at Naas and a Group 3 race, demonstrating her competitive edge.
Victorious: A Strong Contender
- Victorious has two previous races, both wins.
- She displayed signs of improvement each time.
- Drawn in stall five, her position in the market looks favorable.
Blake urges bettors to seize the opportunity to bet on Victorious, as he anticipates her odds will shorten as the race approaches.
The Royal Hunt Cup
The Royal Hunt Cup, scheduled for 17:00, is another highlight of the day. Known for its competitiveness, this handicap often rivals major events like the Grand National. Blake highlights Archivist, trained by Hamad Al Jehani, as a key betting option. Previously trained by William Haggas, Archivist showed potential in the John Smith’s Cup, hinting that a shorter distance may be beneficial for his performance.
- Archivist’s recent performance at Meydan showcased significant improvement.
- He has been specifically prepared for the Royal Hunt Cup.
Kensington Palace Stakes
Another competitive event on this day is the Kensington Palace Stakes, taking place at 17:35. Blake’s pick here is Alobayyah, trained by William Haggas. Despite some setbacks in her previous races, Alobayyah returned strongly, finishing third in a valuable fillies’ handicap.
- Alobayyah showed notable improvement in her latest race.
- Trained by a respected figure in the racing community.
Blake believes Alobayyah’s price may be more valuable than it appears as her form continues to improve.
Quick Recap of Kevin Blake’s Best Bets
| Race | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Mary Stakes | Victorious | 9-2 (general) |
| Royal Hunt Cup | Archivist | 16-1 (Boylesports, Coral, Ladbrokes) |
| Kensington Palace Stakes | Alobayyah | 5-1 & 9-2 (general) |
Watch each race of Royal Ascot 2026, live on Sky Sports Racing from June 16th to June 20th. With these insights, bettors can make informed choices as they venture into a week filled with top-class racing.
