The Norfolk Stakes has been a feature of Royal Ascot – flat racing’s premier meeting – since way back in 1843 and it is the first race on the card on day three of the festival, Ladies Day. Run over a distance of just five furlongs, this fast-paced sprint for two year olds is always a great curtain raiser for the action ahead, and here we’ll take a look at what it takes to win the race and we’ll give our betting tips and predictions for this year’s renewal.
As the race is open to two year olds only, there is nothing to assess in terms of the age of the past winners. Recent years have not thrown up any real trends in terms of successful jockeys or trainers either, with the leading jockey (Lester Piggott with nine wins) long since having retired and the four leading trainers (each having four wins) last having saddled a winner back in 1928.
Frankie Dettori has had some success in the saddle, with three wins to his name, most recently in 2014, while Eddie Ahern and Robert Winston have both ridden two winners.
Assessing this year’s race is tricky at this stage, but the 4/1 favourite (with Bet365) Caravaggio looks worthy of his position at the top of the betting after two wins from two. We prefer the second favourite, the Richard Hannon-trained Mehmas, who is available to back at best betting odds of 5/1, also with Bet365. With Frankie Dettori likely to be in board, he could combine with trainer Hannon to repeat their success of 2014 when they won with Baitha Alga.
Remember, whoever you back, our live betting odds comparison will make sure you get the best prices from the top bookies around, so don’t settle for anything but the best odds for Royal Ascot.