As we enter the third day of Royal Ascot 2024, excitement builds for a day known for its glamour and high stakes. Day 3, traditionally known as Ladies’ Day, features a mix of competitive sprints, challenging handicaps, and the prestigious Ascot Gold Cup. Here’s a detailed look at the race card and tips for each race to help you navigate this thrilling day of racing.
2:30 PM – The Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)
The Norfolk Stakes kicks off the day with a high-speed sprint over 5 furlongs, open to 2-year-olds. This race is renowned for showcasing some of the fastest young horses, making it a fascinating event for spectators and punters alike.
Tip: Focus on horses that have shown exceptional early speed and good form in shorter distances. Look for juveniles trained by top sprint trainers who have a history of success in this race (At The Races) (betHQ).
3:05 PM – The King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
Next up is The King George V Stakes, a competitive Heritage Handicap over nearly 1 mile and 4 furlongs. This race is a true test of both speed and stamina for 3-year-olds with a rating of 0-105.
Tip: Seek out horses that have demonstrated a balance of speed and stamina. Horses with good form in similar handicaps or those improving steadily in recent races often perform well here (betHQ).
3:45 PM – The Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)
The Ribblesdale Stakes is a Group 2 race for 3-year-old fillies over almost 1 mile and 4 furlongs. Often featuring fillies that participated in the Epsom Oaks, this race is crucial for identifying future stars.
Tip: Look for fillies with proven stamina and good form in recent middle-distance races, especially those who have shown strong performances in high-caliber events like the Epsom Oaks (betHQ).
4:25 PM – The Gold Cup (Group 1)
The highlight of the day, the Ascot Gold Cup, is a grueling test of endurance over 2 miles, 3 furlongs, and 210 yards. Open to horses aged 4 years and older, this Group 1 race is a centerpiece of the British Champions Series and draws the best stayers from around the world.
Tip: Trawlerman, who showed exceptional resilience at Ascot last October, is a strong contender. Kyprios, though a top performer, has shown some vulnerability, making Trawlerman a valuable bet. Coltrane and Gregory are also worth considering for their solid form and potential for improvement (Racing Post).
5:05 PM – The Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
This mile-long Heritage Handicap for 3-year-olds often features a large field and is known for its unpredictability, making it a thrilling race for bettors.
Tip: Focus on horses with strong mile form and those showing improvement in their recent runs. The unpredictable nature of this race means that surprise winners are common, so look for value bets (betHQ).
5:40 PM – The Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3)
The Hampton Court Stakes is a middle-distance challenge over 1 mile, 1 furlong, and 212 yards for 3-year-olds. This Group 3 race often includes horses on the rise towards higher-level Group races.
Tip: Look for three-year-olds progressing well in middle-distance races, particularly those from top stables known for developing young talent (betHQ).
6:15 PM – The Buckingham Palace Stakes (Class 2 Handicap)
Closing out the day, The Buckingham Palace Stakes is a 7-furlong handicap open to horses aged 3 years and older. This race features a diverse field, providing a thrilling end to the day’s racing.
Tip: Consider versatile horses with good recent form in seven-furlong races, particularly those that can handle a fast pace. Horses that have shown consistency and adaptability in similar conditions often perform well (betHQ).
Conclusion
Day 3 of Royal Ascot promises a blend of high-speed action, strategic handicaps, and the endurance test of the Gold Cup. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual racegoer, these tips should help you make the most of this exciting day of racing. For detailed race cards and up-to-date information, resources like Racing Post and At The Races provide comprehensive coverage and expert insights (At The Races) (Racing Post).