Jaysella’s Royal Ascot Racecard for Friday 19th June 2026

Jaysella’s Royal Ascot Racecard for Friday 19th June

Albany Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) 2.30
Sun Goddess
Considering how Aidan O’Brien’s two year olds have been going this week, no surprise to see Sun Goddess such a short priced favourite. But there you go, the yard is in brilliant form and Ryan Moore is back at the top of his game, knocking out winner after winner at Ascot’s Royal do, so much so that he’s creeping up on all-time record holder Lester Piggott. So, case made for Sun Goddess, but you’ve gotta look at Karl Burke’s offering, so Light Of Dawn is turned around quickly but won with a bit in hand at Carlisle, despite taking a long look at the stand side crowds on the home straight. I’d guess Andrew Balding’s Jolivette might be involved, while Richard Hannon’s Dark Issue is a cracking each-way shot, if that’s your bag, but Sun Goddess is hard to oppose.

Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) 3.05
Venetian Sun (nap)
Loved her last year, love her this, and rightly to me she’s a hot favourite for the Commonwealth Cup. Proven Ascot form, when we tipped he for the Albany at last year’s Festival, I got 10/1 ante post so was cock-a-hoop when she delivered, and given the only blot on her copybook was a failed try at a mile in the 1,000 Guineas, her demolition of the field back in a Sprint in the Sandy Lane at Haydock from the 2 furlong pole showed what a classy sprinter she is. The reopposing Division was 3 lengths back there, so I’d guess that Ballydoyle’s Albert Einstein would be the big danger, with Ryan Moore taking the ride, while Wise Approach and Coppull all have a place on my list. Caroline, what’s your angle?

Venetian Sun (nap)
Oh yes Jaysella, I’m absolutely on board with Venetian Sun, who was a brilliant Juvenile and has proved she’s trained on, and was better than ever when cruising the Sandy Lane the last day. Just watch the replay, and see how relaxed Clifford Lee is through the first 4 furlongs, and how much toe did Venetian Sun show from the 2 marker? I must be telling yuzz, I thought that Charles Darwin would be the top sprinter in Aidan O’Brien’s team this year, but to me was a huge disappointment in the Lacken Stakes the last day, but don’t write him off just yet, and in his first run this season, did look to have trained on. Donnacha O’Brien’s Havana Anna won that Lacken Stakes where Charles Darwin disappointed, so they both could get involved, but I do think this is Venetian Sun’s race for the taking.

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) 3.40
Warrant Holder
Well, wouldn’t it be great for old Charlie boy if Warrant Holder scores in the Duke Of Edinburgh, given that was the King’s former title after inheriting it from Prince Philip. And I reckon he’s got every chance under William Buick, and when I looked back at his last run at York’s Dante meeting, I did think he’s a better model this term. Here, without the second in that York race, Karl Burke’s Thunder Run lining up, it’s probably the Wathnan Racing duo of Opportunity and Hopewell Rock that William Buick needs to keep tabs on, though Andrew Balding’s Plage De Havre could also be in with a squeak. Yeah, would be a very popular winner, Warrant Card, so he gets my vote.

Coronation Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies) 4.20
Precise (nb)
Well, it’s the one-two from the Irish 1,000 Guineas with Precise and True Love facing up to each other again. Drawn next to each other in Stalls 5 & 6, the tactics over the first two furlongs will be interesting, and Ryan Moore will be very aware of the turn of foot that Precise showed in that Classic at The Curragh, so could well wait for Wayne Lordan to play his hand on True Love. So interesting this, but for me it’s a Ballydolye one-two, with for me, Precise taking the honours. Caroline?

True Love (nb)
Oh Jaysella, what a race we have on here, but I’m going to say almost the unthinkable, that True Love is going to beat Precise. As you say, plenty of tactical positions for Wayne Lordan and Ryan Moore to consider, including who really takes this on from the front, but it would be no surprise to me to see Oisin Murphy send Donnacha O’Brien’s Balantina forward, as a prominent track position suited her well in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar last year. Balantina has only won twice in her eight race career so far, and Oisin Murphy has been on her both times, so something’s clicked between this pair, so I’ll take Balantina to force the pace, and True Love to benefit from a strongly run contest.

Sandringham Stakes (Handicap) (Fillies) 5.00
Seet
Well now, how do you pick one out of this lot? Well, that’s why I’m here I guess, so I’m gonna stick with Seet. Case for: John & Thady Gosdens’ Too Darn Hot filly showed plenty for pressure in a Novice Stakes at Doncaster two weeks ago, pulling 2 lengths clear of a hot Charlie Appleby favourite when it mattered, and that was on good to firm ground so more boxes ticked. Ryan Moore gets the leg up and he’s having a cracking week, plus the Gosdens’ Clarehaven stable aren’t doing too bad either. Donnacha O’Brien’s got a nice looking prospect in Glyfada, who if given space in a big field to get into a nice rhythm should be bang there, and Roger Varian’s Bintaziza is still a bit green but expected to progress from her last run at Thirsk. Ryan Moore on Seet looks a relatively safe bet in this huge field, so gets the big tick!

King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) 5.35
Causeway
On Friday at Royal Ascot, Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore, for me, have their strongest hand so far this week. And that could continue with Causeway in the King Edward VII, as the step up in trip to 10 furlongs in the Gallinule at The Curragh seemed to get something extra out of this Wootton Bassett colt, who wouldn’t to me be an obvious pick for a mile and a half trip, but there you go, I kinda think Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore might know what they’re doing huh? I’d be looking at Ancient Egypt to set some early fractions, with Ryan Moore biding his time for a late run with Causeway. Hopefully!!

Palace Of Holyroodhouse (Handicap)
Stargazed
I reckon I’ll take a chance on Karl Burke’s Stargazed for this 5 furlong dash, with Jack Nicholls’s 5lb claim giving this Zoustar filly a featherweight mark. But, it’s always interesting to see who Wesley Ward brings over from the States, and Bacio looks one super fast bullet. His last run at Churchill Downs was impressive enough, bolting to the front before the first turn and then on, never in doubt who was gonna win. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Bacio leading at the 2 furlong pole, but can he hang on? Stargazed to reel ‘im in I’d say, but that’s my one-two!