Top jockey Frankie Dettori was seen back at the Berkshire track this week – so it was no surprise he was pinned down for his best fancies. The good news is, despite the five-day meeting underway, the Frankie Dettori Royal Ascot best bets go later in the week – running on Friday, and in the final race of the fixture on Saturday.
Frankie Dettori Royal Ascot Best Bets: TWO Fancies For The Pocket Italian
Having ridden 81 winners at the meeting, Frankie Dettori knows a thing of two about finding a winner at Royal Ascot.
But with the 54 year-old now riding in the US and only at Royal Ascot as a spectator this year – he’s turned tipster, by giving out his two best bets to look out for.
According to the popular rider he’s got TWO Royal Ascot bankers to have on your radar, that are set to run on Friday and Saturday.
A Frankie Dettori Royal Ascot return to riding was also not ruled out this week when quizzed by ITV Racing.
He’d probably love the chance to ride his two big fancies later in the week.
But, unfortunately for him (spoiler alert) this job will go to William Buick and Ryan Moore.
SHADOW OF LIGHT – Commonwealth Cup (3:05pm Ascot, Friday 20th June)
This Godolphin-owned 3 year-old is set to go off favourite with the best horse racing betting sites in the UK. Plus, might get even shorter now it’s also a Frankie Dettori Royal Ascot best bet.
Oh, and Frankie knows a thing or two about winning the Commonwealth Cup – he rode the winner in 2021 (Campanelle).
This first Dettori Royal Ascot best bet was last seen running an excellent third in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket over 1m (watch below).
But showed plenty of pace that day to suggest the drop back to 6f will be right up his street.
Dettori added on this Royal Ascot best bet that Shadow Of Light is his NAP of the week’s Group One races.
Saying “He showed great speed in the Guineas and, with most of the good horses going to the St James’s Palace. I think this leaves the door open for him to show his stuff.
Shadow Of Light will be ridden by William Buick and is trained by Charlie Appleby. Both are looking for their first successes in this Friday Group One.
WATCH: Shadow Of Light Winning Running Third In The 2000 Guineas
When Is The Commonwealth Cup 2025?
📅Date: Friday 20th June 2025
⌚Time: 3:05pm
🏇Racecourse: Ascot
💷Winner: £411,573
📺 TV: ITV/Sky
SOBER – Queen Alexandra Stakes (6:10pm Ascot, Saturday 21st June)
The second Frankie Dettori Royal Ascot best bet comes in the final race of the meeting. The Queen Alexandra Stakes on Saturday.
This race is another of the contests run over the marathon trips of 2m 5 1/2f. But also, one that trainer Willie Mullins has a top record in.
The trainer more famed for Cheltenham winners has won this final Royal Ascot race four times since 2012. With three of these ridden by Ryan Moore.
Therefore, with Moore and Mullins teaming up again with Sober, this 6 year-old is sure to well supported in the market.
He was last seen winning over hurdles at Killarney in May for Gold Cup-winning jockey Paul Townend.
But is also a five-time winner on the flat when trained in France by André Fabre.
Dettori said “I couldn’t leave him out – Willie Mullins. His runner in the Queen Alexandra Stakes – Sober.”
Frankie Dettori’s only win in the Queen Alexandra Stakes came in 1998 on Dovedon Star.
When Is The Queen Alexandra Stakes 2025?
📅Date: Saturday 21st June 2025
⌚Time: 6:10pm
🏇Racecourse: Ascot
💷Winner: £59,400
📺 TV: ITV/Sky
See the full ITV Racing schedule for Royal Ascot here.
