As Royal Ascot 2025 approaches, the buzz around the meeting’s “bankers” — those horses tipped as near-certainties to win — is growing louder. With the festival set to run from June 17 to June 21, punters and pundits alike are eyeing a handful of standout contenders who could anchor their bets and dominate the headlines.
Rosallion: Queen Anne Stakes Favorite
One of the most talked-about bankers is Rosallion, the 4-year-old colt trained by Richard Hannon. Rosallion’s recent form has been impressive, with a win in the Irish 2000 Guineas and a strong second in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. After a brief setback due to a respiratory infection, Rosallion returned to finish third in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, a run his trainer believes has set him up perfectly for the Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot.
Richard Hannon has described Rosallion as “the best horse I’ve ever had,” and with jockey Sean Levey, who has partnered the colt in all his major races, the duo looks well placed to deliver on Ascot’s straight mile. Historical trends also favor Rosallion, with many recent Queen Anne winners being 4-year-olds coming off solid prep runs.
Field Of Gold: St James’s Palace Stakes Contender
Another banker attracting attention is Field Of Gold, trained by the renowned John and Thady Gosden. After finishing a close second in the British 2000 Guineas, Field Of Gold emphatically won the Irish 2000 Guineas, showcasing his class and stamina. Ridden by Irish champion jockey Colin Keane, the colt is set for a rematch with his Newmarket conqueror, Ruling Court, in the St James’s Palace Stakes.
The Gosden stable has a strong record in this race, and Field Of Gold’s sire, Kingman, was a winner here in 2014. With a blend of proven form, expert training, and a top jockey, Field Of Gold is widely regarded as a reliable banker for the mile contest.
Other Bankers to Note
Los Angeles, favored for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, and Illinois, the leading contender for the Ascot Gold Cup, are also shaping up as strong bankers. Both horses come from the A P O’Brien yard and have demonstrated the form and fitness to justify their short odds.
The Royal Ascot Challenge
While these horses are considered bankers, Royal Ascot’s competitive fields and unique conditions mean nothing is guaranteed. The festival’s history is peppered with surprises and upsets, reminding bettors to balance confidence with caution.
As the countdown to Royal Ascot 2025 continues, these bankers will be the focal points for many, offering a blend of reliability and excitement in one of the world’s most prestigious racing festivals.
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