Royal Ascot, the highlight of the Flat racing season, is set to commence with several key races drawing strong interest from trainers and jockeys alike. Ryan Moore, a prominent jockey with notable successes at Ascot dating back to 2008, shared insights ahead of Tuesday’s opening day.

Moore recalled his early Ascot triumph aboard Colony for Sir Michael Stoute and noted the enduring competitiveness of his current employer, Aidan O’Brien, who is nearing a milestone of 100 winners at the event. O’Brien’s team enters this year’s meeting with a promising lineup, aiming to secure further victories.

The day’s opening race, the 2:30 p.m. contest, features Moore riding First Conquest for Godolphin. The colt faces a significant step up in class and is expected to be an outsider, especially with stablemates Notable Speech and Opera Ballo also running. Moore acknowledged the challenge and indicated that First Conquest is unlikely to pose a serious threat to the favourite contenders.

In the Coventry Stakes at 3:05 p.m., O’Brien’s stable fields two promising colts. Great Barrier Reef, undefeated in two starts at the Curragh and sired by No Nay Never, is considered a leading contender. Moore will ride Confucius, who finished second on debut and followed with a strong win at Naas. Bred from a Middle Park Stakes winner, Confucius represents another exciting contender with strong claims.

The King Charles III Stakes at 3:40 p.m. is expected to be a competitive affair, with Moore set to ride Mission Central. The Australian import Overpass is the race’s standout candidate, and Moore expressed optimism about his draw near the favourite. Although Mission Central is a swift runner, Moore noted he needs to demonstrate improvement to compete effectively against older rivals.

Moore also previewed the St James’s Palace Stakes at 4:20 p.m., where Gstaad faces a rematch with Bow Echo. After finishing second to Bow Echo in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, Gstaad has since secured the Irish 2,000 Guineas and is expected to continue his progression. Other notable entrants include Puerto Rico, who placed fourth in the French Guineas and is expected to improve, and Talk Of New York, regarded as a strong competitor in a deep field.

The Ascot Stakes at 5:00 p.m. features Reaching High, who is widely regarded as the favourite despite a year-long absence from the track. The typically less competitive race has attracted a large and formidable field of 22 runners this year. Moore highlighted Reaching High’s bad luck in last year’s edition, but also cautioned that the horse will require considerable fortune during the race due to the strong competition.

Finally, Moore commented on Survie, competing in the last race at 5:35 p.m. After a disappointing performance at Newmarket, the filly is expected to benefit from Ascot’s layout and has drawn a favourable barrier from which she can settle comfortably.

As Royal Ascot opens, all eyes will be on these key contests, with connections hopeful their contenders can meet the challenges of this prestigious meeting.