Why the Queen Anne Stakes Is Set to Deliver Fireworks at Royal Ascot 2025
Let me take you straight into the heart of the action—Royal Ascot's opening day, and all eyes are on the Queen Anne Stakes . This year, it's not just a competitive race—it’s a proper Group 1 showdown with international flavor, historical twists, and razor-sharp form lines. If you're looking for a race that encapsulates everything great about flat racing, this is it.
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First, let’s talk form. The Lockinge Stakes at Newbury is traditionally a key prep race for the Queen Anne, and this year, it's no different. Four of the top contenders— Lead Artist , Dancing Gemini , Rosallion , and Notable Speech —all clashed there. Lead Artist came out on top, but history tells us not to take that result at face value. In fact, over the past 25 years, only six Lockinge winners have managed to double up at Ascot. Meanwhile, horses who finished fourth in that race—like Notable Speech—have surprisingly been the value picks, with a strong return on investment and an impressive strike rate.
But here's where things get really interesting. The Queen Anne isn't just about repeating form—it's about rewriting it. Rosallion, for instance, came third in the Lockinge but was coming off a near-year-long layoff. His rider, Sean Levey, believes he's come on plenty since and is confident the stiff Ascot mile will suit him perfectly. This horse is no stranger to delivering under pressure—just look at his win in last year’s St James’s Palace Stakes.
Then there's Dancing Gemini, who might have been undone by his wide draw at Newbury. He’s trained by Roger Teal and comes into this race primed and ready. Add in Notable Speech, last year’s 2,000 Guineas winner, who was probably undercooked in his seasonal return, and suddenly you’ve got a mouthwatering rematch with multiple storylines.
But don’t sleep on the international angle. Lake Forest
Trainers are quietly confident across the board—Aidan O’Brien with Diego Velazquez, Thady Gosden with Lead Artist, and Charlie Appleby with Notable Speech. Each believes their horse has improved, and with the unique demands of the straight mile at Ascot, tactics and timing will play a massive role.
In short, the Queen Anne Stakes isn’t just an opener for Royal Ascot—it’s a blockbuster curtain-raiser with serious Group 1 intensity. It’s got pace, class, history, and unpredictability. Whether you're backing form, betting on bounce-back potential, or rooting for international flair, this race has every angle covered. Make no mistake, this is one not to miss.
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