King Edward VII Stakes Betting Tips

King Edward VII Stakes Preview: Tips, Betting Offers and Odds

One of the middle distance highlights of Royal Ascot takes place on the opening day this year with the King Edward VII Stakes. Read on for the best odds, offers and betting tips.

Offering £200,000 in total prize money, this Group 2 contest for three year old colts and geldings is a much sought after prize. Another of Royal Ascot’s historic events, this 1m4f event was first run at the track back in 1834.

 

Previous Winners

  • 2019 – Japan – jockey Ryan Moore, trainer Aidan O’Brien
  • 2018 – Old Persian – jockey William Buick, trainer Charlie Appleby
  • 2017 – Permian – jockey William Buick, trainer Mark Johnston
  • 2016 – Across The Stars – jockey Frankie Dettori, trainer Sir Michael Stoute
  • 2015 – Balios – jockey Jamie Spencer, trainer David Simcock
  • 2014 – Eagle Top – jockey William Buick, trainer John Gosden
  • 2013 – Hillstar – jockey Ryan Moore, trainer Sir Michael Stoute
  • 2012 – Thomas Chippendale – jockey Johnny Murtagh, trainer Sir Henry Cecil
  • 2011 – Nathaniel – jockey William Buick, trainer John Gosden
  • 2010 – Monterosso – jockey Frankie Dettori, trainer Mark Johnston
  • 2009 – Father Time – jockey Eddie Ahern, trainer Henry Cecil
  • 2008 – Campanologist – jockey Frankie Dettori, trainer Saeed bin Suroor
  • 2007 – Boscobel – jockey Joe Fanning, trainer Mark Johnston
  • 2006 – Papal Bull – jockey Kieren Fallon, trainer Sir Michael Stoute

History

As a 1m4f event for three year olds this Group class event has much in common with Epsom’s most famous classic contest. The race in fact went under the title of the Ascot Derby until 1926 when it was renamed in honour of our former ruler. As with the Derby, this race was initially open to both fillies and colts, but unlike the Epsom showpiece geldings are permitted to take their place in the line-up. Fillies are no longer allowed to take part, but the race continues to attract runners either not deemed up to Group 1 standard or not yet ready to tackle the demands of Epsom.

Fittingly for a Royal Ascot race a number of the previous winners here had rather regal sounding names. The most talented of which was Epsom Derby winner Coronation who took this in 1841. Other aptly titled winners include The Earl (1868), King Cole (1870), King William (1911), Lord Nelson (1972), English Prince (1974) and Royal Anthem (1998). Not all former heroes haven’t been quite so illustriously named however, such as plain old Gilbert (1875) and Timothy (1887).

Amongst the early winners here, 1882 scorer. Shotover, is worthy of note. Bred by a Viscount, owned by a Duke, and sired by Hermit, the John Porter star became the first filly to win the 2000 Guineas and Derby.

1925 winner Solario also landed the St Leger before embarking on a highly successful career at stud. Solario died in 1945 but the train named in his honour continued to run around the London railway tracks until 1959.

1979 winner Ela-Mana-Mou was classy as a three year old but really came into his own at four. Wins in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Eclipse Stakes and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes led to the famous bay being crowned the best older horse in Europe.

If we are to measure the winners here by their future exploits, then in terms of prize money won at least, no horse has done more than the 2010 winner Monterosso. Two years after his win in this, Monterosso conquered all in the Dubai World Cup, earning connections the best part of £4million in prize money.

The early years of the race saw impressive records set by both a trainer and a jockey. With nine training triumphs John Porter still leads the way amongst the handlers, whilst jockey Morny Cannon’s seven wins in the space of 14 years is also yet to be equalled.