Flat Racing column: 2026 Royal Ascot - final ante post update

In his latest Focus On The Flat column, Races Now's Adam Smith gives us his final rundown on the Royal Ascot 2026 ante post markets ahead of the action next week.

Royal Ascot 2026 - Smido's ante post round-up

Five day entries are starting to filter through for the biggest week of my punting year and we have a few movers and shakers to report on since you were last here.

BOW ECHO is apparently in better form than ever ahead of his rematch with Gstaad in the St James's Palace. I suspect Talk Of New York may have something to say about that race following his romp at Sandown a fortnight ago.

Aussie trainer of ASFOORA, Henry Dwyer has got himself a British license. She was trained by Lemos De Souze for her runs in the Palace House and Temple earlier this year. She'll face the supplemented Behike in the King Charles III after the three year old was supplemented at a cost of £46,000 at the five day stage. The three year old is also entered in the Commonwealth Cup.

It looks like both PRECISE and TRUE LOVE will both run in the Coronation Stakes despite Aidan O'Brien bingo players like me floating the idea of True Love dropping down in trip for the Commonwealth Cup. Not to worry, Aidan – you have Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin for the Commonwealth...

Wesley is back in his top hat having missed last year's Royal meeting. A team of seven come over from the United States, although unusually he hasn't quite trotted out the "this is the best horse I've ever had" line just yet.

Let's also do a quick recap of the Royal Ascot ante post bets advised on this column in recent weeks.

Smido's pre-advised Royal Ascot ante post bets

1pt - Overpass (King Charles III) - 5/1.

Now half the price and looks the one to beat. Hopefully he has travelled over to the UK in good order.

0.25pt EW (3 places) - Heavenly Heather (King Charles III) - 200/1

Still in the race at the five day stage but there is a distinct possibility this 92 rated horse could run in the Wokingham over six furlongs instead. At the price, you take such chances, clearly.

0.5pt EW (3 places) - Puerto Rico (St James' Palace) - 16/1

Not looking too good at this stage with Talk Of New York coming out the woodwork and French raider Rayif looking likely to run too.

0.5pt EW (3 places) - Al Nayyir (Gold Cup) - 33/1

Currently the same price as advised. Last year's winner Trawlerman isn't as certain to miss the race as were first told.

0.5pt EW (3 places) - Time For Sandals (Jubilee) - 50/1

0.5pt EW (3 places) - Aramram (Jubilee) - 33/1

Both of these are around the same price now. I would happily continue to back the pair. On the basis that they were drawn on completely the wrong side at York and there isn't a lot between the UK contenders, to my eye.

Closing thoughts

Any bets to add at this stage?

Well, I'll be tipping each day on RACES NOW socials throughout Royal Ascot, so you can check that out for my official bets. Two that are on the shortlist at this stage are below, though:

ARABIAN LIGHT (Wolverton, Tuesday)

Usually the most high quality and competitive Listed race in the whole calendar, so it'll take some winning as usual. But I thought Arabian Light ran a perfect Royal Ascot prep in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard at Sandown behind Ombudsman and Gethin.

Ridden way off the pace and had virtually no interest in winning. Finished his race off really nicely. Pace and nice ground permitting, I think the Wolferton could be perfect for this five year old.

ALOBAYYAH (Kensington Palace, Wednesday)

A massive eyecatcher over course and distance on her sole start this year. Likely to have gone in many a notebook that day. Hopefully not too many notebooks though, so we can get a nice price.

Bring it on.

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