June 18 / 15.30 Ascot

15.30

Good To Firm

Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

  • Prize money: £425325
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 13 runners
ITV
View Course
Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 33-112 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft, unraced on firmer than good; finished third in the St James's Palace Stakes on this card last year; better than ever this term, winning Doncaster Listed event and Sandown Group 2 then clear second behind Audience in the Lockinge at Newbury; likely to reverse those placings over this stiffer 1m; now 0-6 in Group 1 races but warrants respect in current form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(8)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:15 Ascot

Charyn

9st 6lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

Won with something to spare in the Queen Anne over C&D (good to firm) in June and did likewise in another Group 1 at Deauville in August (1m, good; Prix Jacques le Marois); runner-up in Group 1 Prix du Moulin at Longchamp (1m, soft) last month behind one given an enterprising ride; leading claims.

13/8

1st

5

(9)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Ascot

Charyn

9st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

in touch with leaders, good headway from over 3f out, pushed along to lead under 2f out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, kept on well, readily

3/1

2nd

3

(6)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Charyn

9st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

Acts on soft; ran respectably in top 1m races won by Paddington last season; 2-2 this term, readily winning the Doncaster Mile (Listed) then coming with a late surge to beat Poker Face in the bet365 Mile at Sandown (Group 2); better than ever as a 4yo and may well improve further; major player.

9/2

14/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 163-22 CD BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Acts on any ground; consistent sort (unplaced just once in nine starts); has form figures of 1132 over C&D, notably a success in the 2023 Britannia Handicap and neck second in Listed race on penultimate outing (similar effort in France latest); faces a stiffer task upped to Group 1 level but the Ascot factor gives major cause for optimism; each-way possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:27 Ascot

Docklands

9st 3lb

J: George Wood

T: Harry Eustace

Has an excellent record over the straight 1m here, including a Queen Anne win at the 2025 Royal meeting; below par in the latest edition of that race but a Doncaster Listed win and Sha Tin Group 1 third in the spring suggest he's still just about as good as ever.

6/1

7th

3

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Docklands

9st 2lb

J: Mark Zahra

T: Harry Eustace

Acts on any ground; admirable campaigner whose Listed success at Doncaster in March is flanked by respectable efforts in Group 1 events at Sha Tin; his excellent record over this C&D reads 11322214 and features two wins at Royal Ascot, including narrowly in this contest last term despite rider dropping whip over 1f out (played second fiddle to Charyn, the year's champion miler, in the 2024 edition); solid claims returned to this scenario.

13/2

1st

1

(2)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:57 Doncaster

Docklands

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Harry Eustace

Won the Group 1 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) last June; Ascot brings out the best in him but he's run well in defeat in Group 1s elsewhere since that last win, finishing fourth in the Prix Jacques le Marois in August (good to soft) and the Hong Kong Mile in December when last seen; drops back in grade today and he'll be tough to beat if close to his best.

13/8

9/1

  • Place: £2.85

Form: 14/5-3 D BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Unraced on soft/heavy; very progressive 2022 campaign featured a success in the German 2,000 Guineas and unlucky fourth (would have won with a clearer run) in the St James's Palace Stakes on good to firm here; seen only twice since and needs to prove he retains peak ability but his C&D effort (one place behind Docklands) seven weeks ago wasn't devoid of promise; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 1

14:32 Lingfield (AW)

Maljoom

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

dwelt start, raced in last, headway and disputing second over 2f out, no match for winner

2/5

2nd

1

(2)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 1

14:32 Lingfield (AW)

Maljoom

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

dwelt start, raced in last, headway and disputing second over 2f out, no match for winner

2/5

6th

4

(8)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:15 Leopardstown

Maljoom

9st 10lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

slowly into stride, in rear, headway from over 1f out, ran on well final 110yds, nearest finish

15/8

25/1

Form: 0-5339 C BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Successful over 7f at Royal Ascot (handicap) and Newbury (Group 2) last term; kept on for third, albeit no match for first two, in the Lockinge on most recent 1m attempt; disappointing favourite back down in trip/class at Haydock since but has frame possibilities granted a rebound; the likely strong pace will suit this hold-up runner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Witch Hunter

9st 7lb

J: John Fahy

T: Richard Hannon

Now 5lb lower than for his 1m win here in January and there have been excuses for several of his defeats since; plausible outsider.

20/1

19th

30

(3)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Witch Hunter

9st 0lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Defied a 5lb higher mark in the 7f handicap at this meeting three years ago and scored over 1m on AW in January; has lost his form, most recently finishing last in the Newbury event won by Classic; further Royal Ascot glory looks unlikely.

50/1

Form: 6223-1 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft and good to firm; front-runner who was not for catching in this year's Lockinge at Newbury on first attempt beyond 7f, having ploughed his own furrow up the centre; however, needs to prove it wasn't a fluke and may struggle to repeat the all-the-way feat over this stiffer 1m, especially if the luxury of another uncontested lead doesn't materialise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(4)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Audience

9st 10lb

J: Colin Keane

T: David O’Meara

Group 1 Lockinge winner in 2024 and Group 2 winner at Goodwood the same year; on a losing run since but his runner-up finish in a Leopardstown Group 3 showed definite signs of encouragement (7f, soft) when ridden by Keane for the first time; his wins came on good so if he repeats that latest run he is firmly in the mix.

6/1

2nd

1

(5)

11th Jun 2026

Soft

0m 7f 35y

19:00 Leopardstown

Audience

9st 9lb

J: Colin Keane

T: David O’Meara

Group 1 Lockinge winner in 2024 and Group 2 winner at Goodwood the same year; on a losing run since and ran poorly in Dubai in three starts this year; didn't fare any better at Haydock 33 days ago, fading tamely; hard to be positive about him currently.

20/1

9th

1

(7)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Audience

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Group 1 Lockinge winner in 2024 but on a 12-race losing sequence and he ran badly on his last three starts in Dubai early this year; this is a drop in grade but he's proving increasingly hard to predict.

25/1

Form: 3232-1 D

Last run: 80 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Versatile ground-wise; French gelding who has form figures of 32321 since upped to Group 1 level; finished second to Big Rock in last year's QEII over C&D, then went one better in the Dubai Turf at Meydan (1m1f; held on narrowly) in March; could well build on that reappearance win and improve further; sire Ribchester won this race seven years ago (in course record time); very solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(11)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Facteur Cheval

9st 6lb

J: Mickael Barzalona

T: J Reynier

Runner-up in this race in the last two seasons; those were run on soft going but he won a good-ground Group 1 at Meydan last year; failed to stay 1m2f at Royal Ascot latest and has each-way claims now back at 1m.

18/1

6th

4

(4)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

16:20 Ascot

Facteur Cheval

9st 2lb

J: Flavien Prat

T: J Reynier

His last 11 races have been Group 1, winning one at Meydan (1m1f Dubai Turf) in March 2024; less competitive than usual in his three starts this January-April but never-nearer sixth of 11 back in the Dubai Turf last time was respectable; twice runner-up in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over the straight 1m here on soft ground, plus third last year in the Sussex at Goodwood on good to firm, but he needs to show something new if he's to win this, as he's never been beyond 9.5f.

18/1

2nd

3

(3)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:15 Ascot

Facteur Cheval

9st 6lb

J: Maxime Guyon

T: J Reynier

6l second in this last year (soft) and won the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan (1m1f, good) this March; returned to form with creditable third of five in Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) in July last time and he might not be far away.

15/2

14/1

Form: /11134

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
French gelding who has done all his winning in maiden/conditions races (turf/AW); however, ran well in the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp (1m1f, soft; close fourth) upped to Group 1 level most recently; inferior to his compatriots Big Rock and Facteur Cheval on ratings but promises to do better still, being steadily progressive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(5)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Ascot

Dolayli

9st 2lb

J: Mickael Barzalona

T: F-H Graffard

French gelding who has done all his winning in maiden/conditions races (turf/AW); however, ran well in the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp (1m1f, soft; close fourth) upped to Group 1 level most recently; inferior to his compatriots Big Rock and Facteur Cheval on ratings but promises to do better still, being steadily progressive.

14/1

50/1

Form: 30-202 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Good second in last year's Irish 2,000 Guineas when trained by Aidan O'Brien; however, has failed to repeat that form, most recently runner-up in Leopardstown Listed event (1m1f, good) on debut for new yard; stiff task returned to Group 1 level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(11)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Cairo

9st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Alice Haynes

Ex-Ballydoyle horse who has finished runner-up on five occasions for current yard, most recently in Group 2 at Chester (1m2f); however, back up in class today he's very unlikely to achieve the same position, let alone go one better; comfortably held in this contest last year and again has a stiff task; wears new headgear.

50/1

2nd

2

(5)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

Cairo

9st 3lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Alice Haynes

pressed leader, led narrowly over 1f out, headed final 110yds, kept on

33/1

Form: 11-197 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Well-travelled gelding who has won good races in France, Germany, Italy and Qatar; however, needs a drop back in class judged on Group 1 defeats at Sha Tin and Longchamp the last twice; something to prove at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Brave Emperor

10st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Did well on the AW in his younger days (112112) including a win over C&D, but not seen on an artificial surface since April 2023; showed a bit more when fifth of eight at Haydock (1m, good to soft) 12 days ago and is an interesting contender back on Polytrack; stable also runs Tempus.

9/1

1

(6)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Brave Emperor

10st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Did well on the AW in his younger days (112112) including a win over C&D, but not seen on an artificial surface since April 2023; showed a bit more when fifth of eight at Haydock (1m, good to soft) 12 days ago and is an interesting contender back on Polytrack; stable also runs Tempus.

9/1

5th

2

(2)

17th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

15:05 Haydock

Brave Emperor

9st 13lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

Has recorded his biggest wins abroad, mostly at Group level; far from solid on 2025 form, latterly in handicaps; best watched unless the market speaks positively.

33/1

Form: 2221-6 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
French colt whose form dipped in the Lockinge on stable/seasonal debut, having been unable to dominate in his usual manner (Audience had the overall lead); progressive otherwise and may rebound with that reappearance under his belt; top rated on his peak performance, namely a 6l success in soft-ground QEII over C&D last October (final start for Christopher Head).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(3)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Ascot

Big Rock

9st 2lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: Maurizio Guarnieri

French colt whose form dipped in the Lockinge on stable/seasonal debut, having been unable to dominate in his usual manner (Audience had the overall lead); progressive otherwise and may rebound with that reappearance under his belt; top rated on his peak performance, namely a 6l success in soft-ground QEII over C&D last October (final start for Christopher Head).

5/1

6th

2

(9)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Big Rock

9st 2lb

J: Aurelien Lemaitre

T: Maurizio Guarnieri

Front-running French colt who did well last year for Christopher Head and ties in closely with Inspiral on Marois running; unchallenged in soft-ground QEII at Ascot on final start, winning by 6l having raced in clear lead from an early stage; impressive new rating puts him top in this field.

2/1

6th

2

(9)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Big Rock

9st 2lb

J: Aurelien Lemaitre

T: Maurizio Guarnieri

Front-running French colt who did well last year for Christopher Head and ties in closely with Inspiral on Marois running; unchallenged in soft-ground QEII at Ascot on final start, winning by 6l having raced in clear lead from an early stage; impressive new rating puts him top in this field.

2/1

11th
10 (10)
Hi Royal

25/1

Form: 990-35 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Still hasn't added to his 2yo novice win; placed in the 2,000 Guineas and Irish equivalent last season but far from consistent since; midfield (never dangerous) in the Lockinge most recently; chance depends on how well he responds to new headgear (blinkers replace cheekpieces).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(13)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Hi Royal

9st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays but his only success remains a C&D novice win at the 2022 Western meeting; two good placed efforts over 1m at Thirsk this year but well held at Ascot latest and others are preferred for the win again.

16/1

3

(13)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Hi Royal

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays who still has just one novice success to his name; went close in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (good) on reappearance and it was a step back in the right direction when close third of five at that track (also 1m, good to firm) last month; hasn't shone in three starts here (admittedly twice in Group 1s) but handicapper is gradually relenting.

20/1

2

(4)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

16:40 Thirsk

Hi Royal

9st 12lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

Runner-up in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023 but just a useful handicapper nowadays; comes into the reckoning on his second in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (good ground) on reappearance but hasn't repeated the form and carries risks.

6/1

50/1

Form: 231-05 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Ran creditably in Group 3 at Haydock (7f, good) ten days ago when carrying a 5lb penalty for his Irish Group 2 win (1m, good) last September; soundly beaten in both Group 1 attempts, latest in this year's Lockinge; something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Flight Plan

9st 3lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Failed to build on a decent fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) in February when behind Blue Rc at Newcastle (1m) on Good Friday but the fact he made all in this race off 8lb lower last year means a revival can't be discounted, particularly as he's well drawn to attack again; tongue-tied first time.

13/2

8th

9

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Flight Plan

8st 13lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Quiet in Dubai in January but he returned to Britain with a good fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) five weeks ago; now 6lb lower than when winning the Thirsk Hunt Cup last May and he has the ability to feature.

25/1

4th

4

(5)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Flight Plan

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Often front runs; below par in three outings at Meydan last month (including dirt) but well treated if a return to Britain sparks a revival having landed last year's Thirsk Hunt Cup off 6lb higher; Tapeta winner at the start of his career.

16/1

Form: 112-27 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Solid record over 1m until comfortably held in good-ground Lockinge on first Group 1 attempt; possibly not up to this level but may rebound granted ideal conditions, namely softer than good; his other races at this trip comprise five wins and two seconds, including a good effort behind Charyn at Sandown in April.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(8)

4th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Poker Face

9st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

in rear

9/2

1st

4

(8)

4th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Poker Face

9st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

in rear

9/2

12th

5

(7)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:15 Ascot

Poker Face

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Won a Group 3 and Group 2 in France last season (1m, soft/good to soft); this prominent-racer has run well in defeat in 1m Group 2 races on his last three starts (soft/good) but needs something extra today.

66/1

Non-runners

Royal Scotsman

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £37.00
Straight Forecast £34.26
Tricast £243.89
Trifecta £202.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Facteur Cheval

RP RATINGS:

Big Rock

Telegraph:

Docklands

Daily Mail:

Maljoom

NEWMARKET:

Charyn

D Express:

Dolayli

The Times:

Royal Scotsman

POSTDATA:

Audience

TOPSPEED:

Big Rock

The Guardian:

Docklands

Daily Mirror:

Facteur Cheval

Daily Record:

Facteur Cheval

The Star:

Maljoom

The Sun:

Charyn