Horse racing tips: Royal Ascot day one – Tuesday June 18

ITV Racing returns today with a seven-race card from day one of Royal Ascot.

There are no fewer than three Group 1 races, featuring a particularly competitive renewal of the St James’s Palace stakes at 4.25.

The card runs from 2.30 to 6.15 and we have picked our best bets for all the action this afternoon.

ITV Racing tips – Royal Ascot, June 18

Here is the list of William Maxwell’s recommendations for today’s programme. You can read the analysis behind his selections below. 

Add these tips directly to your bet slip by clicking on each pick. 

• 2.30 – Facteur Cheval @ 10/3 with Betfred
• 3.10 – Arran @ 22/1 with Betfred
• 3.45 – Big Evs @ 4/1 with Betfred
• 4.25 – Henry Longfellow @ 9/2 with Betfred
• 5.05 – The Grand Visir @ 22/1 with Betfred
• 5.40 – Israr @ 7/2 with Betfred
• 6.15 – Belloccio @ 10/3 with Betfred

Odds, correct at time of publishing, may be subject to change.

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2.30, Ascot – 1m (Straight) Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1)

After his success in the Dubai Turf earlier in the year, it is a slight surprise that FACTEUR CHEVAL is not outright favourite for this contest. That is arguably the strongest piece of form in this race, and it looked like fast ground was the real key to him that day – going he does not get often in his native France. French raiders have a good record in this contest, and he looks capable of running a big race with no rain in the forecast.

Selection: Facteur Cheval @ 10/3 with Betfred

3.10, Ascot – 6f Coventry Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (2YO)

It is easy to see why the likes of Cowardofthecounty and Camille Pissarro have been well backed with their form working out nicely, but it may be worth taking a chance on one at a bigger price given the nature of the race. One that looked really promising in a Newmarket novice on debut was ARRAN, and his form has received a notable boost subsequently. Connections tend to target this race and he looks overpriced at his current odds.

Selection: Arran @ 22/1 with Betfred

3.45, Ascot – 5f King Charles III Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1)

This looks like a good opportunity for BIG EVS to back up his Listed win at York last month. That was a satisfactory comeback run against lesser opposition, so expect him to build on that here on quicker ground given that he won the Grade 1 Juvenile Turf at last year’s Breeders’ Cup meeting. There is every chance he can take this step back up in grade in his stride in what looks a below-par renewal.

Selection: Big Evs @ 4/1 with Betfred

4.25, Ascot – 1m (Round) St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1) (Colts) (British Champions Series)

Notable Speech had everything go his way in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket when given a very quick pace to aim at, but he may struggle to repeat those tactics on the round course here. HENRY LONGFELLOW could be one to take him on with. He had nothing go his way in the French Guineas last time but that is worth putting a line through – and Ryan Moore, who is in fine form with seven wins from his past 13 rides, may be able to dictate the pace and quicken off the bend for home.

Selection: Henry Longfellow @ 9/2 with Betfred

5.05, Ascot – 2m 4f Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2)

Ian Williams has won this twice in the past five years and with horses at decent odds each time. He has two in this renewal and THE GRAND VISIR looks a bit overpriced. The Frankel gelding did not get much of a run in the Chester Cup last time out but he is entitled to come on for that outing. He went close at this meeting last year.

Selection: The Grand Visir @ 22/1 with Betfred

5.40, Ascot – 1m 2f Wolferton Stakes (Listed) (Class 1)

ISRAR sets a pretty solid standard on form and he could be the one they all have to beat here. The son of Muhaarar was not seen to best effect behind Passenger at Chester last time out but this race should play to his strengths. Expect a big run this time.

Selection: Israr @ 7/2 with Betfred

6.15, Ascot – 1m 6f Copper Horse Handicap (Class 2)

BELLOCCIO was pretty useful on the Flat for his former yard and there was plenty to like about his debut for Willie Mullins when winning over hurdles at Punchestown last month. It would be no surprise if this son of Belardo were to relish the step up in trip back on the level, and his new trainer may be able to tease out more from him.

Selection: Belloccio @ 10/3 with Betfred

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