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The Independent
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Friday's Royal Ascot Day 4 tips: Back the favourites in two Group 1 contests
Royal Ascot Day 4 betting tips The 2025 Royal Ascot festival continues with day four on Friday, 20 June, with two Group 1 contests headlining the day's action. The Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes are the main races of the day, supported by the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes and the opening race of the day, the Group 3 Albany Stakes. There is £650,000 in prize money up for grabs in each of the day's Group 1 races, with the Commonwealth Cup taking place at 3.05pm and the Coronation Stakes following at 4.20pm. And withdrawals in both races mean that horse racing betting sites have clear favourites in the main events of the day, with Shadow of Light offered at 7/4 in the Commonwealth Cup and Zarigana at 6/4 in the Coronation Stakes. Commonwealth Cup prediction Godolphin's Shadow of Light heads into this race as the clear favourite, with Juddmonte's Babouche next in the running in the eyes of the bookies. Babouche's only win this season came in the Lacken Stakes in Naas in mid-May, though the three-year-old looks set to build on the early promise shown as a juvenile. However, Shadow of Light remains one of the strongest fancies of the week at Royal Ascot, having been the European Champion two-year-old in 2024 with three wins at Newmarket alone between August and October. The favourite has run just once in 2025, but a third-place finish in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in early May only added to his tag as favourite for this one. His performance in that Classic – finishing a length behind the winner – as well as positive results over further distances at Newmarket show that he has the requisite pace and power, while suggesting that six furlongs may be his optimum distance. As the odds suggest, he should have too much class for his opponents on Friday afternoon, so we've gone with Shadow of Light to win the Commonwealth Cup at 7/4 with various Royal Ascot betting sites. Coronation Stakes prediction This is another race that now has a clear favourite due to a withdrawal, with Irish 1000 Guineas winner Lake Victoria having dropped out while being the odds-on favourite. That leaves Zarigana as the favourite on betting sites for the second Group 1 contest of the day, with the three-year-old having impressed on five home runs in France since debuting at Chantilly in July 2024. She has two wins in 2025, including the Group 1 French 1000 Guineas at Longchamp last month, and has proven to be versatile on different ground while building on solid performances from last season. Though this will be her first race outside of France, she'll set off as cleat favourite on Friday. Falakeyah is second in the running in the Royal Ascot odds having performed well on the way to a win in the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket, but this is another one where the favourite might have little competition. Though Falakeyah each-way could offer value, we're backing the favourite, with odds of 6/4 for Zarigana to win the Coronation Stakes. Responsible gambling Always practice responsible gambling. When using gambling sites be aware that sports betting can be addictive. Please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies whether you're using new betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, betting apps, or any other gambling medium. Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. It's particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:
Irish Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Royal Ascot day 4 full race card and tips - list of runners on Friday
Royal Ascot has been a battle between Aidan O'Brien and the John and Thady Gosden team so far, with both camps responsible for five winners each heading into the penultimate day of the meeting. They will both be expected to add to their respective tallies over the next two days, but it is other powerhouse stables who have the market leaders in Friday's two Group Ones - the Commonwealth Cup and the Coronation Stakes. Charlie Appleby is seeking his first winner of the week and Shadow Of Light could give him it in the Commonwealth Cup. The 2,000 Guineas third is being backed for the first Group 1 of the day, with his jockey William Buick riding brilliantly this week. Juddmonte are doubly represented in the six furlong contest and Babouche, a recent Group 3 winner at Naas for Ger Lyons, might just be the best of their chances under Colin Keane, while the Andrew Balding-trained Jonquil is partnered by leading France-based Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon. Meanwhile, French runner Zarigana looks set to go off favourite for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard in the Coronation Stakes, with Mickael Barzalona taking the ride. The French 1,000 Guineas winner is vying for favoritism with Pretty Polly Stakes victor Falakeyah, while Aidan O'Brien's January is being backed, having finished eighth behind stablemate Lake Victoria in the Irish 1,000 Guineas last month. Here's a full list of the runners and riders, as well as a tip for each race: 2.30pm: 6f Albany Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo) 1 Awaken (IRE) B Loughnane2 Balantina (IRE) Tom Marquand3 Bibi Dahl (USA) U Rispoli4 Fairy Oak Colin Keane5 Fitzella Oisin Murphy6 Gold Digger (IRE) Jamie Spencer7 Green Sense (IRE) Dylan McMonagle8 Indigo Dawn (IRE) Pat Dobbs9 Ipanema Queen (IRE) David Egan10 Magny Cours (IRE) Mickael Barzalona11 Nandita (IRE) William Buick12 Oh Cecelia (IRE) James Ryan13 Senorita Vega (IRE) Richard Kingscote14 Signora (IRE) Ryan Moore15 Spinning Lizzie Kieran Shoemark16 Tahalel (IRE) Sean Levey17 Venetian Sun (IRE) Clifford Lee Tip: Ipanema Queen 3.05pm: 6f Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (No Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo) 1 Ain't Nobody (IRE) Tom Eaves2 Arabie Clifford Lee3 Arizona Blaze David Egan4 Berkshire Whisper (IRE) Kieran Shoemark5 Big Mojo (IRE) Hollie Doyle6 Diablo Rojo (IRE) Rossa Ryan7 Ides Of March (IRE) Wayne Lordan8 Jonquil Christophe Soumillon9 Shadow Of Light William Buick10 Soldier's Heart Callum Shepherd11 Strong Warrior Oisin Orr12 Whistlejacket (IRE) Ryan Moore13 Arabian Dusk Harry Davies14 Babouche Colin Keane15 Carla Ridge (IRE) Chris Hayes16 Lady With The Lamp (IRE) Dylan McMonagle17 Leovanni (IRE) James Doyle18 Rayevka (IRE) Mickael Barzalona19 Sayidah Dariyan (IRE) B Loughnane20 Shisospicy (USA) Oisin Murphy21 Sky Majesty (IRE) Tom Marquand22 Time For Sandals (IRE) Richard Kingscote Tip: Shadow Of Light 3.40pm: 1m4f (1m3f211y) Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race) (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105) 1 Teumessias Fox (IRE) P J McDonald2 Flight Leader Saffie Osborne3 See Hector (GER) Pat Dobbs4 Caviar Heights (IRE) Tom Marquand5 Mutaawid Jim Crowley6 Naqeeb (IRE) R Sexton7 Hand Of God William Buick8 Mount Atlas Rob Hornby9 Stressfree (FR) Daniel Tudhope10 Max Mayhem Mickael Barzalona11 Siege Of Troy Oisin Murphy12 French Duke (IRE) James Doyle13 War Rooms (IRE) Colin Keane14 Almosh'her Clifford Lee15 Auld Toon Loon (IRE) Pierre Jamin16 Brodure (IRE) Christophe Soumillon17 Blue Lemons (IRE) B Loughnane18 Ethical Diamond (IRE) Ryan Moore19 Satin Shane Foley20 HMS President (IRE) Reserve 121 Crystal Flyer Reserve 222 Cumulonimbus (IRE) Reserve 3 Tip: Mutaawid 4.20pm: 1m (7f213y) (Rnd) Coronation Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo) 1 Cathedral David Egan2 Cercene (IRE) Gary Carroll3 Chantilly Lace (IRE) Rossa Ryan4 Duty First Hollie Doyle5 Exactly (IRE) Wayne Lordan6 Falakeyah Jim Crowley7 Flight Oisin Murphy8 January (IRE) Ryan Moore9 Kon Tiki William Buick10 Simmering Dylan McMonagle11 Zarigana Mickael Barzalona Tip: Zarigana 5.00pm: 1m (Str) Sandringham Stakes (Fillies' Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105) 1 Tabiti Colin Keane2 Betty Clover William Buick3 Serving With Style Clifford Lee4 Mojave River (FR) Dylan McMonagle5 Bountiful B Loughnane6 Silver Ghost (IRE) Sean Levey7 Sweet Chariot (IRE) Ryan Moore8 Amangani (IRE) Wayne Lordan9 Nancy J (IRE) Shane Foley10 Supermodel (IRE) Tom Marquand11 Miss Nightfall Oisin Murphy12 Never Let Go Kieran Shoemark13 Zgharta (IRE) Hollie Doyle14 Trad Jazz Harry Davies15 Oolong Poobong (IRE) Connor Beasley16 Saariselka Mickael Barzalona17 Cartwheel Andrew Slattery18 Dash Of Azure Richard Kingscote19 Cajole Saffie Osborne20 Sea Poetry (IRE) Trevor Whelan21 Purple Rainbow Warren Fentiman (5)22 Annsar Jack Doughty23 Bassadanza Joe Fanning24 Dancing Teapot (IRE) Chris Hayes25 Alfareqa David Probert26 Ryka (IRE) S D Bowen27 Arabian Leopard Silvestre De Sousa28 Eazy On The Eye Grace McEntee Tip: Alfareqa 5.35pm: 1m4f (1m3f211y) King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo) 1 Amiloc Rossa Ryan2 Convergent (IRE) Clifford Lee3 Galveston Wayne Lordan4 Green Storm (IRE) B Loughnane5 Minhad Tom Marquand6 Nightwalker Colin Keane7 Opportunity James Doyle8 Puppet Master (IRE) Ryan Moore9 Regal Ulixes Oisin Murphy10 Wimbledon Hawkeye Silvestre De Sousa11 Zahrann (IRE) Ben Coen Tip: Amiloc 6.10pm: 5f Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105) 1 Hammer The Hammer (IRE) Tom Eaves2 Mr Lightside (IRE) Kevin Stott3 Jungle Drums (IRE) Saffie Osborne4 Candy George Wood5 Miss Lamai (IRE) Clifford Lee6 Maw Lam (IRE) Jack Nicholls (7)7 Zayer (IRE) Hollie Doyle8 Stormy Impact Warren Fentiman (5)9 Redorange Rossa Ryan10 Bodhi Bear (IRE) Seamie Heffernan11 King's Call (IRE) D Swift12 Realign (FR) James Doyle13 Ruby's Profit (IRE) Kieran Shoemark14 Enola Holmes (IRE) David Probert15 Arctic Voyage Richard Kingscote16 Vingegaard (IRE) R Sexton17 Englemere (IRE) B Loughnane18 Red Sand (IRE) Tom Marquand19 Dark Cloud Rising Daniel Tudhope20 Suhail Star (IRE) Ashley Lewis (7)21 King Of Light Shane Foley22 King Of Bears (IRE) Callum Shepherd23 Adrestia Oisin Murphy24 Jorge Alvares (IRE) Colin Keane25 Brosay Edward Greatrex26 Brighton Boy (IRE) William Buick27 Lexington Blitz (IRE) Sean Levey28 Mearall (IRE) Shane Gray29 An Outlaw's Grace (IRE) Reserve 130 Topwarrior Reserve 231 Gold Star Hero (IRE) Reserve 3 Tip: Realign
New Paper
a day ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Shadow Of Light to shine again
ASCOT Shadow Of Light will face 21 rivals as he bids to get back to winning ways in the £725,750 (S$1.25 million) Group 1 Commonwealth Cup (1,200m) for three-year-olds at Royal Ascot on June 20. A unique winner of the Middle Park and Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last season, which saw him crowned champion two-year-old, Shadow Of Light returned to action this season by finishing third behind stablemate Ruling Court and St James's Palace Stakes hero Field Of Gold in the Group 1 2000 Guineas (1,600m) at Newmarket on May 3. After quickening up nicely, the son of Lope De Vega faded in the closing stages on his first start over a mile, leaving connections to opt to drop him back to six furlongs for the Commonwealth Cup. Charlie Appleby's colt is a 7-4 chance to claim further Group 1 honours, with the Ger Lyons-trained Babouche, who landed the Group 3 Lacken Stakes (1,200m) at Naas last time, the main danger according to the market. Appleby would be keen for a change of luck as it has been three years since he cracked open the champagne at Royal Ascot. Godolphin's main trainer could barely hide his disappointment after favourite Cinderella's Dream finished second to Crimson Advocate in the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes (1,600m) on June 18. Joining Babouche in the colours of Juddmonte will be Andrew Balding's Jonquil. The colt is another son of Lope De Vega dropping back to 1,200m on the back of finishing runner-up in the Group 1 French 2000 Guineas (1,600m) last time. Balding will also saddle the improving Berkshire Whisper. Aidan O'Brien is dual-handed thanks to last year's Group 1 Prix Morny (1,200m) scorer Whistlejacket and Ides Of March, while the Michael Appleby-trained Big Mojo also takes his chances. Arabian Dusk and Soldier's Heart both go for Simon and Ed Crisford, with Rayevka and Shisospicy, who represent France and America respectively, adding further international spice. Later on the card, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Zarigana heads 11 declarations for the £725,750 Group 1 Coronation Stakes (1,600m). Carrying the colours of his late Highness Aga Khan, the daughter of Siyouni took her record to four from five with a dramatic victory in the Group 1 French 1000 Guineas (1,600m) at ParisLongchamp on May 11. Challengers are aplenty, with Owen Burrows' impressive Listed Pretty Polly Stakes (2,000m) winner Falakeyah defending her unbeaten record for Shadwell, while Kon Tiki will also put her perfect status on the line having been supplemented by Jane Chapple-Hyam on the back of a commanding win in the Listed Sky Bet Fillies' Stakes (1,600m) at York. O'Brien's pair Exactly and January also take their chances, while the Ollie Sangster-trained duo of Flight and Simmering, who finished second and third to Desert Flower in the Group 1 1000 Guineas (1,600m) respectively on May 4, add further depth. RACING AND SPORTS
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
I'm supremely confident my big Royal Ascot tip on Friday will be far too good for his rivals
It's hotting up on and off the track now MATT CHAPMAN I'm supremely confident my big Royal Ascot tip on Friday will be far too good for his rivals Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OUT of the shadows and into the limelight — that's what I'm expecting for last season's champion juvenile at Ascot on Friday. We've made it to Day Four of the Royal meeting, and SHADOW OF LIGHT (3.05) — last season's Group 1 Middle Park and Dewhurst hero — drops back in trip for the Commonwealth Cup. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Is Shadow Of Light a bit of a good thing in what would normally be a hugely competitive Commonwealth? Credit: PA Like many, I suspect he will take all the beating after his comeback third to stable companion Ruling Court and Field Of Gold in the 2,000 Guineas. Shadow Of Light might well have won that race if he had been delivered a little later, but whatever the case, the drop to 6f should be exactly what he will enjoy and I just think he will be far too good. I'm happy with stall 19, so come on, William Buick. GOLD DIGGER (2.30) can get the day off to a flyer in the Albany Stakes. She looked special on debut at Yarmouth and it would be a famous winner here for Phil Cunningham and Richard Spencer. I was there that day, and many thought Awaken would take all the beating for George Boughey. She ran well, but was no match for Gold Digger, a Starman offspring who cost 260,000gns at the Craven Breeze-Up sale. She stays well and will be well suited to a Jamie Spencer special from off the pace. Stall 14 should not be an issue. ETHICAL DIAMOND (3.40) was fourth in the Duke Of Edinburgh last year when the 7-4 favourite. But he was out in stall 18 that day and get a much handier box in stall seven this time. The Willie Mullins challenger will hopefully be a stronger horse this time as he just weakened late on in 2024 and I suspect he will take all the stopping under Ryan Moore. He was a fine fourth at Cheltenham in the County Hurdle. For many the big one of the day is the Group 1 Coronation Stakes. We get the chance to see what might be a monster in FALAKEYAH (4.20) and her draw (stall two) has worked in her favour. Owen Burrows was considering the French Oaks after her demolition job in the Pretty Polly but also the Irish 1,000 Guineas. I'm pretty sure she has the speed for this test. She should be improving all the time as had only been to Wolverhampton prior to her Newmarket victory. She looks an absolute tank. Jim Crowley takes the mount. NEVER LET GO (5.00) is the one for me in the Sandringham. A strong gallop will be ideal for her and she has plenty of experience for Ed Walker. Many in this race are stepping up in trip, but Never Let Go drops in distance and looks sure to be suited by a proper gallop. Kieran Shoemark would not usually want to get down to a weight of 8st10lbs every day but he might just be rewarded here for making the effort. She's up in the handicap for a Listed third when last seen but as a lightly-raced animal I'm not too fussed about that. An each-way wager. Amiloc could easily win the King Edwards VII Stakes - also known as the Ascot Derby. But ZAHRANN (5.35) might just be one of the best Johnny Murtagh has trained in his career. The Aga Khan-owned colt and son of Night of Thunder was impressive in Listed company at Leopardstown last time and stayed this trip very well. He was well backed and it looked as though the stable knew he's classy. I'll chance him each-way. The day closes with JORGE ALVARES (6.10) in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap. A lot of very fast horses here and I suspect something will come flying through late. He could be the one each-way for Colin Keane and Ger Lyons. The gelding has plenty of experience and ran really well when last seen at Curragh staying on strongly having been close to the pace. He's up 1lb here but that shouldn't make any difference and he's raced up to seven furlongs so that bit of stamina could be useful. Good luck one and all. Yeeehaaa! FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
I'm supremely confident my big Royal Ascot tip on Friday will be far too good for his rivals
OUT of the shadows and into the limelight — that's what I'm expecting for last season's champion juvenile at Ascot on Friday. We've made it to Day Four of the Royal meeting, and SHADOW OF LIGHT (3.05) — last season's Group 1 Middle Park and Dewhurst hero — drops back in trip for the Commonwealth Cup. Advertisement 1 Is Shadow Of Light a bit of a good thing in what would normally be a hugely competitive Commonwealth? Credit: PA Like many, I suspect he will take all the beating after his comeback third to stable companion Ruling Court and Field Of Gold in the 2,000 Guineas. Shadow Of Light might well have won that race if he had been delivered a little later, but whatever the case, the drop to 6f should be exactly what he will enjoy and I just think he will be far too good. I'm happy with stall 19, so come on, William Buick. GOLD DIGGER (2.30) can get the day off to a flyer in the Albany Stakes. Advertisement She looked special on debut at Yarmouth and it would be a famous winner here for Phil Cunningham and Richard Spencer. I was there that day, and many thought Awaken would take all the beating for George Boughey. She ran well, but was no match for Gold Digger, a Starman offspring who cost 260,000gns at the Craven Breeze-Up sale. She stays well and will be well suited to a Jamie Spencer special from off the pace. Stall 14 should not be an issue. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing ETHICAL DIAMOND (3.40) was fourth in the Duke Of Edinburgh last year when the 7-4 favourite. But he was out in stall 18 that day and get a much handier box in stall seven this time. The Willie Mullins challenger will hopefully be a stronger horse this time as he just weakened late on in 2024 and I suspect he will take all the stopping under Ryan Moore. He was a fine fourth at Cheltenham in the County Hurdle. Advertisement For many the big one of the day is the Group 1 Coronation Stakes. We get the chance to see what might be a monster in FALAKEYAH (4.20) and her draw (stall two) has worked in her favour. Owen Burrows was considering the French Oaks after her demolition job in the Pretty Polly but also the Irish 1,000 Guineas. I'm pretty sure she has the speed for this test. Advertisement She should be improving all the time as had only been to Wolverhampton prior to her Newmarket victory. She looks an absolute tank. Jim Crowley takes the mount. NEVER LET GO (5.00) is the one for me in the Sandringham. A strong gallop will be ideal for her and she has plenty of experience for Ed Walker. Advertisement Many in this race are stepping up in trip, but Never Let Go drops in distance and looks sure to be suited by a proper gallop. Kieran Shoemark would not usually want to get down to a weight of 8st10lbs every day but he might just be rewarded here for making the effort. She's up in the handicap for a Listed third when last seen but as a lightly-raced animal I'm not too fussed about that. An each-way wager. Amiloc could easily win the King Edwards VII Stakes - also known as the Ascot Derby. Advertisement But ZAHRANN (5.35) might just be one of the best Johnny Murtagh has trained in his career. The Aga Khan-owned colt and son of Night of Thunder was impressive in Listed company at Leopardstown last time and stayed this trip very well. He was well backed and it looked as though the stable knew he's classy. I'll chance him each-way. The day closes with JORGE ALVARES (6.10) in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap. Advertisement A lot of very fast horses here and I suspect something will come flying through late. He could be the one each-way for Colin Keane and Ger Lyons. The gelding has plenty of experience and ran really well when last seen at Curragh staying on strongly having been close to the pace. He's up 1lb here but that shouldn't make any difference and he's raced up to seven furlongs so that bit of stamina could be useful. Advertisement Good luck one and all. Yeeehaaa! FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
