The world’s most prestigious flat meeting, Royal Ascot, is set to open its doors once again. Headlining the first race on the opening day is the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes — a pure speed test over the straight mile.
With reigning champion Rosallion at the centre, a host of emerging challengers and seasoned veterans will aim to dethrone him in what promises to be an early highlight of the royal meeting.
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What time is the Queen Anne Stakes?
The 2025 Queen Anne Stakes will be run on Tuesday, June 17, kicking off the opening day of Royal Ascot. Post time is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. BST.
The race is contested over one mile (1609 meters) on Ascot’s straight course. Open to 4-year-olds and older (fillies and mares receive a 3lb allowance), it serves as the traditional curtain-raiser to the Royal Meeting.
Queen Anne Stakes betting tips, predictions, form and latest odds
The defending champion Rosallion remains the horse to beat. Last year’s St James’s Palace Stakes winner is proven over Ascot’s demanding straight mile and has shown continued improvement this season. His blend of tactical speed and sharp acceleration makes him the clear benchmark coming into the race.
The leading challenger is Lead Artist, who sat handily in the Lockinge Stakes, traveled strongly throughout, and quickened smartly to assert in the closing stages, holding off Dancing Gemini to score decisively. He continues to improve his settling and tactical versatility, which now make him a formidable presence in this division.
Dancing Gemini remains a serious threat. Though narrowly denied by Lead Artist in the Lockinge, he stayed on well all the way to the line, suggesting there’s little between the pair. A progressive type who tends to improve with racing, he should be expected to close the gap further here.
Notable Speech brings top-class credentials as last year’s 2000 Guineas winner, having already defeated Rosallion at Newmarket. However, his efforts against older opposition have exposed some limitations, and this test will demand both class and resilience.
Lake Forest adds intrigue as the potential dark horse. His international campaign has been productive, winning Australia’s Golden Eagle (non-graded) before a solid fourth in the G3 Prix du Palais-Royal in France. The Queen Anne represents his first attempt at a mile, but his proven ability to handle softer conditions suggests that rain-affected ground could bring him right into contention.
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Key Contenders & Latest Odds (via Paddy Power)
Odds correct at time of publish but subject to change
- Rosallion (5/2)
Ascot’s straight mile perfectly suits his running style. He remains the class standard and has trained on well into his four-year-old season. If allowed to dictate the race on his terms, he will take plenty of beating.
- Lead Artist (5/1)
A rapidly improving contender with genuine Group 1 credentials. His Lockinge Stakes win showcased his tactical maturity and strong finishing kick. One of the most versatile runners in the field.
- Dancing Gemini (5/1)
Continues to climb the ladder with every run. His consistency, adaptability, and grinding late speed make him a serious factor, especially if the race turns tactical.
- Notable Speech (6/1)
The 2000 Guineas victor still carries top-level form but has yet to fully convince against older rivals. A strong-finishing threat if the tempo plays in his favour.
- Lake Forest (11/1)
International experience has broadened his profile. His stamina for a true mile is untested, but softer going could significantly enhance his prospects. Dangerous if the race develops into a stamina test.
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TSN'S Selections
- Win: Rosallion
- Main Danger: Lead Artist
- Value Play: Dancing Gemini
- Place Threat: Notable Speech
- Longshot: Lake Forest
Royal Ascot Day 1: Queen Anne Stakes race details
- Date: June 17, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Post Time: 2:30 p.m. local (BST)
- Distance: 1 mile (1609m), straight course
- Conditions: 4-year-olds and up (fillies and mares receive 3 lbs allowance)
- Grade: Group 1
Queen Anne Stakes: Historical winners (2005 –2024)
Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Stall |
2024 | Charyn | Silvestre de Sousa | Roger Varian | 9 |
2023 | Triple Time | Neil Callan | Kevin Ryan | 11 |
2022 | Baaeed | Jim Crowley | William Haggas | 4 |
2021 | Palace Pier | Frankie Dettori | John & Thady Gosden | 11 |
2020 | Circus Maximus | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien | 4 |
2019 | Lord Glitters | Daniel Tudhope | David O’Meara | 1 |
2018 | Accidental Agent | Charlie Bishop | Eve Johnson‑Houghton | 4 |
2017 | Ribchester | William Buick | Richard Fahey | 1 |
2016 | Tepin | Julien Leparoux | Mark Casse | 12 |
2015 | Solow | Maxime Guyon | Freddy Head | 4 |
2014 | Toronado | Richard Hughes | Richard Hannon Jr. | 8 |
2013 | Declaration of War | Joseph O’Brien | Aidan O’Brien | 6 |
2012 | Frankel | Tom Queally | Sir Henry Cecil | 8 |
2011 | Canford Cliffs | Richard Hughes | Richard Hannon Sr. | 6 |
2010 | Goldikova | Olivier Peslier | Freddy Head | 1 |
2009 | Paco Boy | Richard Hughes | Richard Hannon Sr. | 3 |
2008 | Haradasun | Johnny Murtagh | Aidan O’Brien | 10 |
2007 | Ramonti | Frankie Dettori | Saeed bin Suroor | 2 |
2006 | Ad Valorem | Kieren Fallon | Aidan O’Brien | 2 |
2005 | Valixir | Christophe Soumillon | André Fabre | 1 |
Queen Anne Stakes: 20-Year Trends
- Top Trainers:
Aidan O’Brien (4 wins), Richard Hannon Sr. & Jr. (combined 3 wins), Freddy Head (2 wins)
- Top Jockeys:
Richard Hughes (3 wins)
- Stall Bias:
- Stalls 1–4 have produced 11 winners over the last 20 years.
- However, recent years have seen wide draws emerge: 9 and 11 have won in the past two editions (2023 & 2024).
- While low draws remain historically favorable, wide gates are no longer prohibitive in today’s tactical fields.
