Nine runners head to the 1m start for the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes, which kicks off Royal Ascot in 2026. A stellar field will assemble for the iconic curtain-raiser and all eyes will be on Lockinge Stakes winner Notable Speech, who will look to cement his place as the premier miler.
Steve Chambers previews the 2.30pm contest on Tuesday 16th June and takes a look at the runners, odds and trends before picking his 1-2-3.
2026 Queen Anne Stakes Runners
A former 2000 Guineas winner, Notable Speech showed he’s still an elite eight-furlong horse when showing a blistering turn of foot to win the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. Charlie Appleby’s star was only fourth in this race 12 months ago, and having been beaten in the St James’s Palace Stakes as well, he may not produce his best around Ascot.
One that certainly does is last year’s shock winner Docklands, who is looking to strike once again. He held off Rosallion in this contest last season and is looking to do the double on Tuesday. Opera Ballo will be the second Godolphin contender lining up and he was a fine winner of the bet365 Mile at Sandown. This is a step up and he makes his first visit to Ascot.
More Thunder has progressed into a top-class performer and the Lockinge Stakes runner-up will look to turn that form around here. However, he’s arguably better over seven furlongs, so may just struggle to see out the trip. Zeus Olympios was third in the Lockinge Stakes, but is one that could get closer to Notable Speech here. He tried to quicken a long way out that day, so he’s likely to be held up a little more.
Earl Of Sefton Stakes winner Damysus is another that adds more depth to the race, along with Cicero’s Gift, who won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at 100/1 on Champions Day at Ascot.
2026 Queen Anne Stakes Runners
14:30 Ascot
Good To FirmQueen Anne Stakes (Group 1)
- Flat Turf
- Turf
- 1m 0f 0y
- Class 1
- 9 runners
- Win time: 1m 37s
- First Prize: £453,680
50/1 (Won)
- Win: £60.75
- Place: £11.00
7/2
- Place: £1.75
7/2
- Place: £1.40
11/1
14/1
9/4F
6/1
50/1
40/1
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £414.90 |
| Straight Forecast | £206.95 |
| Tricast | £675.51 |
| Trifecta | £1894.30 |
Selections
TOPSPEED:
Opera BalloThe Guardian:
More ThunderRP RATINGS:
Notable SpeechSPOTLIGHT:
Zeus OlympiosThe Sun:
More ThunderPOSTDATA:
Notable Speech2026 Queen Anne Stakes Trends
Check out the key Queen Anne Stakes and trends for the Group 1 showpiece…
- 5 of the last 10 winners have been favourite
- 7 of the last winners have been aged four
- 4 of the last 10 winners have been rated over 120
2026 Queen Anne Stakes Tips
Notable Speech is proven at the highest level, but his Ascot record is a worry, so it’s worth taking him on in the Queen Anne Stakes. Zeus Olympios went to win the Lockinge Stakes and showed a fine turn of foot, but he arguably went a little early. Picked up by Notable Speech and More Thunder, if Clifford Lee can wait a little longer then Clive Cox’s charge can land this prize. Notable Speech should be good enough for second, whilst Docklands can run another mighty race in third.
FAQ
When and where is the Queen Anne Stakes run?
The Queen Anne Stakes will take place at Ascot racecourse on day 1 of Royal Ascot on Tuesday 16th June, 2026 at 2.30pm.
How can I watch the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday?
The Queen Anne Stakes is live on ITV at 2.30pm on Tuesday afternoon.
When were the Queen Anne Stakes tips published?
The tips for the Queen Anne Stakes were published at 11.35am on Monday 15th June.
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