King Edward VII Stakes 2025 Tips: ‘Ascot Derby’ looks super-competitive

For the longest time The King Edward VII Stakes has been known colloquially as the Ascot Derby. It's the same mile-and-a-half trip, and those who proverbially hit the post at Epsom would come here looking for prestigious recompense.

We've got two this time around that tried their hand in Lambourn's Betfred-sponsored Classic 13 days ago - Green Storm for Charlie Johnston, and Nightwalker (Team Gosden/Colin Keane/Juddmonte). The former fared much better than the latter, and must have a squeak of sorts - but I'm looking elsewhere for my idea of the winner.

17:35 Royal Ascot - The King Edward VII Stakes

17:35 (King Edward VII Stakes) - Amiloc @ 6/4

Trainer Ralph Beckett went to Epsom with high hopes - courtesy of his Dante Stakes winner Pride Of Arras. As it played out the horse was unable to land a blow in the Derby and never really went a yard.

Now he turns to a gelded son of Postponed, Amiloc, impressive winner last time (27 days ago) of a Listed heat at Goodwood. He'd taken a Conditions event at the same venue a few weeks previously too, so is moving nicely through the gears at this point.

He's unbeaten in fact in four career outings and stayed 1m 3f very well on the Downs. This trip then should be well within compass, and he showed plenty of resolution to forge clear at the business end. He ticks plenty of boxes.

Wimbledon Hawkeye is interesting - beaten 6l in the 2000 Guineas, and third in the Dante - but the jury's out on the trip suitability for me. The O'Brien/Moore vehicle Puppet Master took the Lingfield Derby trial so should stay, no problem, and for me is readily identifiable as the main danger.

Johnny Murtagh sends across an Aga Khan Night Of Thunder colt, Zahrann, and he's two-from three. Stayed this trip well at Leopardstown last time, and is improving. Respected, greatly.

Smashing race then, and if Ralph's plans didn't come to fruition at Epsom, there might just be a little bit of stable compensation here with Amiloc. The utterly brilliant Rossa Ryan has the riding assignment.

Royal Ascot Tips from Betfred Insights.