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SOME THOUGHTS ON BETTING AT ROYAL ASCOT RACES
HISTORY
The first ever meeting held
at Ascot was on the 11th of August 1711 after Queen Anne came across an area of open heath near Windsor Castle when out riding.
Racing has continued at Ascot ever since 1711 with parliament passing an Act of Enclosure in 1813, which meant that the heath
(although crown property) could be used as a public racecourse. In the modern era, high fashions are on show throughout the
meeting, particularly Ladies Day on the Thursday. Each day there is a royal parade, held before racing, where the royal procession
comes down the track to the Royal Box, with the meeting being many people`s social highlight of the season. Betting over the
five days sees millions changing hands in bets with the racing of the highest quality. Over the meeting there are six Group
1 contests, seven Group 2s and three Group 3 races.
The Group 1 races during Royal Ascot week are:
St. James`s
Palace Stakes, 3-y-o, 1m
Queen Anne Stakes, 4-y-o+, 1m
Prince of Wales Stakes, 4-y-o+, 1m 2f
Ascot Gold Cup, 4-y-o+,
2m 4f
Coronation Stakes, fillies, 1m
Golden Jubilee Stakes, 3-y-o+, 6f
ANTE-POST BETTING
The idea
behind ante-post betting is for the punter to avail themselves of a price about a selection, which is substantially higher
than that offered on the day of the race. At Royal Ascot, the big handicaps such as the Wokingham and Royal Hunt Cup are popular
choices for ante-post betting. The downside is that if a selection does not run, the bet is lost. About a week or two prior
to the start of the meeting, bookmakers offer "non-runner, no bet", i.e. if a selection does not run, stakes are refunded.
SPECIAL
BETS
Leading Jockey and Trainer
Trophies are awarded to both leading jockey and trainer at the 5-day Royal
meeting. Online bookmakers offer prices on the winners of both. These appeal to punters as they allow an interest in 5 days`
racing for a single stake.
Queen`s outfit
Originated by Paddy Power, it is possible to bet on the colour
of the Queen`s hat / outfit on Ladies` Day (the Thursday).
ROYAL ASCOT BETTING TIPS
Several trainers
prepare their horses especially for Royal Ascot as they love to have winners at this big occasion. Some trainer`s horses can
be backed almost blindly. Mark Johnson is the first as he seems to always get his horses prepared to peak at this time
of the year. Saeed Bin Suroor (Godolphin) trains for Sheikh Mohammed, who loves the Royal occasion and employs Frankie Dettori
who excels at Ascot. Irishman Aidan O`Brien always saves a couple of his very best for Royal Ascot.
Other factors worthy
of consideration are:
Previous Form
Concentrate on horses with recent wins over the distance, on the going
and with experience of the Ascot track. Paying attention to poor form allows separation of the "wheat from the chaff".
Prices
In non-handicap races the prices offered are the result of bookmakers` research and expert knowledge. While instincts
can be valuable, bear in mind that a horse is not a short price without reason.
BETTING EXCHANGES
One
Royal Ascot tip is to study the handicaps and consider laying, on the betting exchanges, some of the Sir Michael Stoute horses
in the handicaps as they tend to go off as short-priced favourites, based not on what they have achieved, but their trainer`s
reputation. As with any other bet, don`t get carried away, but this is an angle that may be worth inspection.
ONLINE
HORSERACE BETTING
Opening an online betting account is a simple, straightforward process, which can be accomplished
in just a few minutes. Online bookmakers offer quick and easy access to all the best betting options. If you can`t make it
to the races, make the most of online betting.
Why not try bet123
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