The 2026 Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot brings together some of the world's top turf horses for a thrilling Group One showdown. Highlighted contenders include last year’s winner Ombudsman, the in-form Daryz, and recent Tattersalls Gold Cup hero Almaqam. Expert analysis tips Ombudsman (11/8) to defend his crown, with track conditions and a strong pace likely to suit his running style. Daryz, despite recent French successes, is viewed as vulnerable on Ascot’s fast ground. Betting tips favor Ombudsman to outclass rivals in this prestigious contest.
Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Prince Of Wales's Stakes
This Group One takes place on day two of Royal Ascot on Wednesday 17th June
We're backing Ombudsman at 11/8
Ombudsman ridden by William Buick wins the 4th race The Prince of Wales's Stakes during day two of the 2025 Royal Ascot. (Getty)
The only Group One race staged on day two at Royal Ascot is the Prince Of Wales's Stakes. This lucrative contest was first held at the Royal meeting in 1862, and two of the world's highest rated turf horses will clash for a second time in this year's renewal.
It's been 15 years since France last tasted victory in this historic Group One, but Daryz is fancied to end their wait for a winner. Francis Graffard's star won the Arc at Longchamp in October, and has since claimed two tremendous victories in 10-furlong Group Ones on home soil.
Ombudsman ran out a superb winner of this race 12 months ago, and returns to Ascot on the back of victories in the Dubai Turf and the Brigadier Gerard Stakes. Almaqam recorded a career-best performance to win the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last month, the form of which was boosted when Bay City Roller romped to victory in the Coronation Cup last weekend.
Minnie Hauk was well-beaten behind Almaqam at the Curragh, but she's still be entered by Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore takes the ride. Andrew Balding's mare, See The Fire made it back-to-back wins in the Middleton Stakes at York, and returns for another crack at the Prince Of Wales's Stakes, having finished third in the race 12 months ago.
Former Lockinge Stakes runner-up, Dancing Gemini will represent Roger Teal. Devil's Advocate and Mississippi River complete Wednesday's line-up.
2026 Prince Of Wales's Stakes Tips
Aidan O'Brien's decision to run a pacemaker should ensure that this is a stern test of stamina, which will suit Minnie Hauk, as she's at her best over a mile and a half. O'Brien's mare was no match for Almaqam when only fifth in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, and this is stronger still. I don't fancy her chances.
Almaqam is respected, but I don't think he has the class of the big guns at the head of the market. Daryz has been excellent in his two starts this year, showing a turn of foot that he didn't appear to possess at three.
Francis Graffard has mentioned the possibility of running his Arc winner over a mile this term, and I could see him being just as effective over that shorter distance. However, the fact remains that Daryz finished last on his sole British outing in last year's Juddmonte International Stakes, and the ground on day two of Royal Ascot will be just as quick as it was during the Ebor Festival.
Ombudsman (right) finishing well clear of Daryz (left) when winning the Juddmonte International Stakes. (Getty)
Such conditions are certain to suit OMBUDSMAN (11/8), who has leapfrogged Daryz at the head of the market. William Buick's mount was superb in this race 12 months ago, beating Anmaat to score on his first start in Group One company.
Ombudsman has been beaten twice since then, but lost nothing in defeat to Delacroix in the Coral-Eclipse, or when beaten by Calandagan in the Champion Stakes. John and Thady Gosden's star powered home to win the Juddmonte International, ran out an easy winner of the Dubai Turf, and warmed up for his return to Ascot with a hard-fought victory over Gethin in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes.
Like Ballydoyle, Godolphin have thrown a pacemaker into the contest, and Devil's Advocate will ensure that Mississippi River sets an honest gallop. Ombudsman loves to travel behind a strong pace, and in these conditions, he's undoubtedly the best horse in this excellent contest.
18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
