Royal Ascot 2026 Betting Tips: Top Picks for Berkshire Sundance, Spyce and Princling
The Queen Alexandra Stakes concludes Royal Ascot 2026 on Saturday, June 20, featuring the week’s longest race at two miles and five-and-a-half furlongs. According to race data, Willie Mullins’ Le Destrier enters as the favorite, while Andrew Balding’s Berkshire Sundance is positioned as a high-value contender in the World Pool markets.
Jumps trainers have dominated this stamina-heavy event in recent years. Willie Mullins has won three of the last five renewals of the race, the report notes.
Who are the favorites for the Queen Alexandra Stakes?
Le Destrier is the current market favorite. The horse recently finished a close third to Gold Cup winner Scandinavia during a start at Leopardstown.
Berkshire Sundance is identified as a primary alternative. The six-year-old, trained by Andrew Balding, has seven wins from 17 career starts, including four victories over two miles.
Berkshire Sundance most recently finished sixth in the Chester Cup over two miles and two furlongs. Analysts suggest the increase in distance for the Queen Alexandra Stakes could lead to further improvement.
What is the outlook for the Golden Gates Stakes?
Spyce is a noted contender for the 5:35 pm Golden Gates Stakes. While Spyce is priced over three times higher than rivals Lost Boys and Sahara King, he finished close to both in last month’s London Gold Cup at Newbury.
Spyce previously won a maiden on his second attempt and placed fourth and fifth in two Group Three contests last season. Trainer Alan King has seen recent success, including a win at Ascot this past Tuesday.
Princling is also expected to compete in the 10-furlong race. The horse recently finished fourth in the Silver Bowl handicap over one mile at Carlisle.
How are the betting markets performing?
Participants are utilizing World Pool Win and Place markets for these events. This allows for payouts on horses like Berkshire Sundance, Spyce, and Princling.
Beyond official channels, reports indicate the gambling black market is projected to receive a £40 million boost from Royal Ascot.
What may happen next?
Le Destrier could leverage his Leopardstown form to secure a win, given the trainer’s recent success in this race. Alternatively, Berkshire Sundance may benefit from the extended trip to unlock a stronger performance.
In the Golden Gates Stakes, Spyce is likely to be a high-value proposition if he maintains the form shown at Newbury. Princling may find the 10-furlong distance more suitable than his previous mile-long effort at Carlisle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance of the Queen Alexandra Stakes?
The race is run over two miles and five-and-a-half furlongs.
How many times has Willie Mullins won this race recently?
Mullins has won three of the last five renewals of the Queen Alexandra Stakes.
What is the career record of Berkshire Sundance?
The horse has won seven of his 17 career starts.
Which factor do you believe is more critical for victory in the Queen Alexandra Stakes: previous jumps trainer success or a horse’s specific career win record over long distances?