Royal Ascot Day 4 Tips: Best Bets For Friday’s Action

Our best bets for Day 4 of Royal Ascot come in the Albany Stakes, Coronation Stakes and King Edward VII Stakes.

Royal Ascot Day 4 Tips: Best Bets For Friday

2:30 – Albany Stakes (Group 3) – VENETIAN SUN @ 12/1 EW

As four places are on offer with the top betting sites in Ireland, the drift on VENETIAN SUN has created an intriguing window of opportunity as an each-way bet at 12/1.

Previously the 4/1 ante-post market favourite, you can assume this move is down to being drawn low which has proved unfavourable so far – however the course has a history of biases changing mid-meeting.

Karl Burke’s juveniles haven’t put their best foot forward this week either but one is bound to strike soon and the fact Venetian Sun is his sole representative in the race is a big plus.

Burke lights up when he talks about her and the step up to 6f seems everything she wants and more. I’d be keen to take on the favourite Signora here who doesn’t look to warrant such a short price being a one-raced maiden.

The 240,000gns yearling was backed like she simply couldn’t lose on debut at Carlisle last month in the hands of Clifford Lee and there’s every chance this filly is top notch.

The form from that race has worked out nicely with runner-up Argentine Tango – who had two good runs under her belt before meeting Venetian Sun – collecting a nice prize in the Hilary Needler at Beverley five days later.

With further improvement on the cards, I’d be disappointed if the two-year-old by Starman doesn’t give a good account of herself in Friday’s opener.

 WATCH: Venetian Sun impresses on debut at Carlisle

Venetian Sun (Starman) is seen as a Royal Ascot hope by @karl_burke and this exciting filly beats a decent field on debut in the Tony Bloom colours at @CarlisleRaces pic.twitter.com/jVxGi2jhjs

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 19, 2025

4:20 – Coronation Stakes (Group 1) – ZARIGANA @ 13/8

As far as special talents go, I’m convinced ZARIGANA is one of the highest order and it would be bitterly disappointing not to see her fulfill her promise on this stage.

After suffering interference in the French 1,000 Guineas she was handed the race in the stewards’ room but without that trouble there’s every reason to suggest she’d have landed the spoils readily.

Since debuting at Chantilly last July, Zarigana has been billed as the pride of the Aga Khan operation and we’re yet to see her put her best foot forward – but today could very well be the day.

Fast ground won’t be a problem as a filly who possesses a killer turn of foot and that breathtaking ability should also play into her hands if the race becomes a tactical affair.

Falakeyah was being targeted at the French Oaks before being diverted here due to a dirty scope and she looks right up against it dropping back to a mile while I’d also question the quality of January’s form behind Desert Flower.

Zarigana stays very well, normally produced late by Mickael Barzalona and the stiff mile at Ascot is right up her street. 

Trainer Francis Graffard, who won this race in 2019, was on record saying she’s in peak condition and with the contest expected to be truly run it should ensure the best horse wins.

There’s no doubt for me that is this granddaughter of the legendary Zarkava and she gets a confident vote to win Friday’s feature race.

Quite simply, Zarigana is a cut above this field and the nature of the race is likely to see her to best effect, finally.

WATCH: Zarigana finishes second past the post in the French 1,000 Guineas

Breaking: The French 1000 Guineas appeal has been dismissed and Zarigana keeps the race over Shes Perfect pic.twitter.com/M1mvmaTBdZ

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 21, 2025

 5:35 – King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) – AMILOC @ 15/8

Ralph Beckett is still searching for his first Royal Ascot winner of 2025 but don’t be surprised to see AMILOC hand Kimpton Down Stables a seventh total triumph at the meeting.

The son of Postponed was very impressive in the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood four weeks ago, showcasing a superb attitude to win going away in the hands of Richard Kingscote despite dropping to the rear of the field early doors and being asked for effort a long way from home.

He gamely stuck to the task and once finding his groove there was no denying him victory, preserving his 4-4 unbeaten record and proving there is an immense engine under the bonnet.

The three-year-old gelding looks to have a touch of class about him and with Group 1 entries in the Coral Eclipse, King George and Irish St. Leger, it’s clear the yard is very high on him too.

The booking of world-class rider Rossa Ryan is another tick in the book and hopefully this three-year-old can go close in what looks admittedly a weak contest.

WATCH: Amiloc defies a nightmare trip in the Cocked Hat Stakes

From last to first!

Amiloc remains unbeaten to land the Listed @BritishEBF Cocked Hat Stakes under Richard Kingscote for @RalphBeckett @Goodwood_Races pic.twitter.com/cutYEy9wwv

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 24, 2025