The Duke of Cambridge Stakes takes place on the second day of the Royal Ascot festival, and this Group 2, one mile contest for fillies and mares aged four years and older is often a fantastic spectacle. Here we will take a look at the race, seeking out useful trends, as well as taking a closer look at the 2023 renewal with our betting tips and predictions to help you pick the right bets. Our live odds comparison will also ensure you get the best value possible.
The Duke of Cambridge Stakes is a relatively new addition to Royal Ascot having been inaugurated in 2004, renamed from the Windsor Forest Stakes to the current title in honour of Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.
Though this race is open to female horses aged four and older, only twice have we witnessed anything other than a four year old being successful (with six year old Soviet Song winning in 2006 and five year old Sabana Perdida taking victory in 2008). The great Sir Michael Stoute has saddled the most winners of any trainer with four in total (2004, 2005, 2010 and 2014.
Turning to this year’s renewal and the current favourite (at best betting odds of 5/1 with Bet365) is the Andre Fabre-trained Usherette who won the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket at the beginning of May. With five wins from six starts, she is clearly capable of taking the victory here, but we are willing to look elsewhere.
Our betting tip for the 2023 Duke of Cambridge Stakes is to back Always Smile each way at nice betting odds of 16/1 with Ladbrokes – great value after winning four and being edged into second in the other of her five races.