Racing fans are in for a real treat this Saturday , as a superb renewal of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot headlines an excellent afternoon of action on the box.
There are three other group-class contests split between the Berkshire track and York , plus a trio of competitive handicaps, and all are covered in our ITV racing tips.
13:30 York Tip
13:30 YORK – KODIAC THRILLER @ 15/2
Mark Walford’s five-year-old has run many more good races than bad ones and did well to finish less than two lengths back in fourth at Ripon recently after stumbling at the start and almost parting company with his jockey.
13:45 Ascot Tip
13:45 ASCOT – ALTA REGINA @ 3/1
Was strongly backed to give Hamad Al Jehani a first Royal Ascot winner in the Queen Mary and while finishing just out of the places in sixth, she ran a very meritorious race.
The form looks strong with the second coming out and winning a Group Two and the seventh going close in Listed company this week, while a step up to six furlongs looks sure to suit Alta Regina in the Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes .
14:00 York Tip
14:00 YORK – ADDISON GREY @ 7/1
Has performed consistently well for Clive Cox in four outings this term without success and did not enjoy a smooth passage when a beaten favourite at Salisbury last time out, so a change of luck is overdue.
14:20 Ascot Tip
14:20 ASCOT – TOULEEN @ 4/5
The Owen Burrows-trained filly finally showed at three what she had promised at two when a slightly unlucky loser in the Coronation Stakes.
In splitting a pair of Aidan O’Brien Classic winners in Precise and True Love , Touleen showed she belongs at the top level and there will be some long faces at Burrows’ Lambourn yard if she is turned over in the Longines Valiant Stakes.
14:35 York Tip
14:35 YORK – ROYAL CHAMPION @ 5/2
Karl Burke’s well-travelled money-spinner might be having his first run for 90 days, but he is undoubtedly the class act in the Group Two York Stakes and can repeat his victory of 12 months ago.
Royal Champion has not looked back since joining the North Yorkshire handler following a brief stint in Australia , also winning the Winter Derby , the Bahrain International Trophy and the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia , as well as finishing close up in fourth to Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong .
Simply put, if he is fully fit after a break, it will not matter that he is conceding weight to all his rivals.
14:55 Ascot Tip
14:55 ASCOT – COMPLETELY RANDOM @ 6/1
The continued booking of Ryan Moore for Harry Charlton’s charge in the Moet & Chandon International Handicap looks interesting.
Completely Random found only Double Rush too good in the Wokingham last month and although he has yet to win over seven furlongs, Moore must think he has every chance to maintain their partnership, which began with a Lingfield double back in January.
15:35 Ascot Tip
15:35 ASCOT – CALANDAGAN (NAP) @ 13/8
Francis-Henri Graffard’s superstar can add his name to a very elite list by becoming a multiple winner of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Brilliant mare Dahlia managed to strike twice in 1973 and 1974, Swain did the double in 1997 and 1998 and Enable secured a historic 2017, 2019 and 2020 treble.
Calandagan was thoroughly deserving of his title of best turf horse on the planet in 2025, based on his Group One victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud , this contest, the Champion Stakes here and the Japan Cup.
It was only a narrow Tokyo triumph over Masquerade Ball , who Ascot must be delighted has come over to reoppose, but if Calandagan could beat him while having an away day, it is hard to see the Japanese contender turning the tables on a track he will not be used to.
Calandagan has already won the Dubai Sheema Classic and retained the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud trophy this term and loves Ascot , having also won a King Edward VII Stakes there, so Irish Derby hero Benvenuto Cellini will have to find masses of improvement, despite being in receipt of 11lb.
Last year’s runner-up Kalpana is a dual Group One scorer at this venue, while 2025 Epsom and Irish Oaks ace Minnie Hauk and 2024 King George victor Goliath are other strong opponents, but Calandagan looks solid.
Betting Tips
ITV Racing Betting Tips
13:30 York - Kodiac Thriller @ 15/2
13:45 Ascot - Alta Regina @ 3/1
14:00 York - Addison Grey @ 7/1
14:35 York - Royal Champion @ 5/2
14:45 Ascot - Completely Random @ 6/1
15:35 Ascot - Calandagan (NAP) @ 13/8
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
Bet on Horse Racing Odds at BOYLE Sports
*Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly
Not all opinions are equal. The BOYLE Sports Team is made up of experts who know the sports and betting world inside out, delivering the kind of insights and analysis that give you a real edge where it matters most.
