The opening day of Royal Ascot is many racing fans’ favourite day of the year. There are three Group One races across the card, along with some fascinating contests, including the Coventry Stakes for two-year-olds.
Here is a look at the best tips for the opening day of Royal Ascot 2022.
Queen Anne Stakes – Baaeed
Champion miler Baaeed returned to action this season in the Lockinge Stakes. He produced a breath-taking performance to stretch away from some very good horses in the Group One contest.
It is very difficult to see Baaeed being beaten in the 1m division this season. He looks a long way ahead of his rivals. He can get punters off to a good start in the Queen Anne Stakes, where he is sure to be one of the best horse racing tips. William Haggas’ runner is 2/5 to win the meeting’s opener.
Coventry Stakes – Little Big Bear
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has won the Coventry Stakes a record nine times, so you always have to take note of the entries from the Ballydoyle man. His best chance this year looks to be with Little Big Bear.
The son of No Nay Never showed an impressive turn of foot when scoring at Naas in a 5f contest last time out. This horse does not lack any speed, which means the rest of the field may have to settle for chasing him home.
King’s Stand Stakes – Nature Strip
Australian sprinter Nature Strip has won eight Group One sprint races throughout his career. His connections will be hoping he can become the latest horse from Australia to have success at Royal Ascot in the King’s Stand Stakes.
The seven-year-old showed his class recently in the Furphy T J Smith Stakes at Randwick. He looked very strong inside the final 1f. Although his latest success came over 6f, the majority of the wins in this horse’s career have been over 5f, so he will be very comfortable with the trip in the King’s Stand Stakes.
It looks set to be an excellent renewal of the Group One race, and at 4/1 in the betting, Nature Strip represents the best bet.
St James’s Palace Stakes – Native Trail
Last season’s star two-year-old, Native Trail, had to settle for second place behind stablemate Coroebus in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. The front two in that British Classic look very good horses, and it would be no surprise to see the Guineas runner-up reverse the result the next time they meet.
The son of Oasis Dream was just as good over 1m when he landed the Craven Stakes earlier this season. He was less than a length behind the Guineas winner at Newmarket, and at a different course, the result may be different.
Native Trail is 5/1 in the St James’s Palace Stakes betting. He is much better value than the 2/5 which is being offered on Corobeus.
The opening day of the 2022 Royal Ascot meeting takes place on Tuesday, 14th June. It is the first of five days of racing from the Berkshire venue.
