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Published Jun 17, 2026Updated Jun 191
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Royal Ascot Day Three: Key Trends and Top Contenders Identified for Major Races
Racing Post analysts have released key trends and statistical insights for day three of Royal Ascot, covering the Chesham Stakes, King George V Handicap, Ribblesdale Stakes, and Gold Cup. Top contenders include Aix La Chapelle, Time For The Moon, Into The Light, and Scandinavia, with historical data highlighting important factors such as ratings, recent form, and previous race experience.
Quick Facts
- Royal Ascot day three races
- Chesham Stakes analysis
- King George V Handicap trends
- Ribblesdale Stakes preview
- Gold Cup preview
As Royal Ascot enters its third day, analysts from the Racing Post have provided detailed statistical insights to guide racegoers in selecting potential winners for the day's key events, including the Chesham Stakes, King George V Handicap, Ribblesdale Stakes, and Gold Cup.
For the Chesham Stakes, historical data shows that eight of the last ten winners were rated within nine pounds of the Racing Post Rating top-rated, while fillies have a record of three wins from 30 starts. Among the top contenders are Aix La Chapelle, trained by Aidan O'Brien, and Time For The Moon, while debut winner Aperoll is considered overpriced after an impressive maiden victory at Newbury.
In the King George V Handicap, all ten recent winners were officially rated between 88 and 95, and nine had finished in the top two in their previous race. Into The Light emerges as the strongest trend pick, having shown promise over longer distances on his handicap debut. Ralph Beckett, who has won two of the last five runnings, has two contenders—Joulany and Tierra Del Toro—while Joseph O'Brien fields Cannes among several handicap debutants.
The Ribblesdale Stakes trends indicate that nine out of ten winners had no more than three races at age two and had previously contested a Listed or Group race. Legacy Link, runner-up in the Oaks, is a notable contender but faces a quick turnaround. Juddmonte's Gilded Prize and the French raider Earth Shot are also highlighted as threats.
Looking ahead to the Gold Cup, nine of the last ten winners were Group-race winners with an adjusted RPR of at least 127, and seven had won over at least two miles. Last year's St Leger winner Scandinavia is expected to head the market, while Trawlerman is seen as a value option. The Sagaro Stakes, a key prep race, has not produced a Gold Cup winner since Estimate in 2013.
Topics
Why This Matters
For bettors and racing enthusiasts attending or wagering on Royal Ascot day three, these trends provide a data-driven edge in identifying value picks and likely winners across key races such as the Gold Cup and Ribblesdale Stakes. Understanding which profiles have historically succeeded—like rated horses in the 88–95 band in handicaps or Group-race winners with high RPRs in the Gold Cup—can sharpen betting decisions and avoid overpriced outsiders.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireDay three of Royal Ascot takes place
Jun 17, 2026
WireRacing Post publishes big-race trends analysis for day three of Royal Ascot