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'I predicted 8,000-1 Derby 1-2-3 - these are my three Royal Ascot day one tips'
Reach Daily Express | June 17, 2025 11:39 PM CST

ITV Racing's Kevin Blake has revealed his top picks for the first day of . The pundit, who previously tipped a stunning 800-1 treble in 2021 and dealt another blow to bookmakers earlier this month, is on top form following .

Blake appeared on Opening Show before the Derby, where he picked out three horses he believed could perform well or even . His selections, Lambourn at 13-2, Chester Vase runner-up Lazy Griff at 50-1, and 33-1 shot Tenesseee Stud, ended up taking the top three spots, for anyone who followed his advice in a combination tricast. Now, Blake has shared his top three horses to watch on the first day of .

His first pick of the day is for the Queen Anne Stakes, the opening race of the afternoon, scheduled for 2:30pm. This one-mile event on Ascot's straight course is a tough challenge, and this year the Richard Hannon-trained Rosallion is looking to keep his unbeaten record in Berkshire and leads the market. However, Blake has chosen superstar Ryan Moore's mount, 10-1 shot Diego Velazquez.

This four-year-old son of the legendary Frankel has been off since September, having last run in the Solonaway Stakes at Leopardstown, which he won impressively. Trainer Aidan O'Brien's charge is set to make a comeback after a stall mishap last month denied him a return, and while Blake expressed concerns about the colt's lack of prep runs ahead of the Group 1 clash, he believes his racing style could be advantageous.

Blake shared his thoughts on the Queen Anne Stakes with Betfair: "The market is dominated by the form of the Lockinge Stakes, with the first four home reopposing. My preference amongst them is Rosallion, who I expect to improve notably from that run, but he is priced accordingly, and I've decided to venture outside the Lockinge form in pursuit of bigger-priced alternatives.

"While it isn't ideal that Diego Velazquez comes here without a run, his trainer has had over a month to tighten the screws on him [from his intended May run]. He is a straightforward ride that enjoys sitting handy in his races, and that might well be a big help in a race that could get messy for those that are held up."

Blake has also turned his attention to the King Charles III Stakes, a five-furlong Group 1 sprint open to horses aged three and above. Last year's winner, Australian mare Asfoora, is back to defend her title. Blake, however, has opted for Ed Walker's Mgheera, an 8-1 shot, who has remained unbeaten since joining Walker's yard from France in April and secured a win in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock last time out.

Star jockey William Buick is back in action, a significant boost, and Blake believes Mgheera's draw and consistent progress puts her in good stead for this 23-runner dash, as he stated: "This really is fiercely competitive with 23 runners set to sprint down the straight at Ascot. With plenty of pace on display, my tendency is to favour one that will be ridden patiently and look to strike late.

"Mgheera fits that profile and has been making steady progress this year. She needs to step up again to get seriously involved at this level, but this setup will maximise her chances of doing so. She is drawn close to some of the best pace, so everything seems aligned for her to have every chance to run a strong race."

Finally, Blake's third pick is in the day's last race, the 1m6f Copper Horse Stakes. This staying handicap is open to four year olds and older, and it is a 17-2 tip that ITV's top pundit has suggested.

Blake has backed Joseph O'Brien's Aeronautic, who has seen significant market movement, as the son of Gleneagles started at a general 16-1 to begin the morning.

"His comeback run over an inadequate mile-and-a-quarter at the Curragh will have shaken off any rust, and this course and distance promises to suit him well," Blake stated.

"While a wider draw would be preferred, he is set to be ridden with patience and covered up, so it shouldn't be too much of a hindrance. He looks a big price."


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