International Flair Takes Centre Stage on Ascot's Climactic Saturday
The final day of Royal Ascot 2026 promises a spectacular international showdown, with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (3:40pm) headlining a card that has attracted world-class sprinters from Japan, Australia, and beyond. It's a fitting finale to a week that has already delivered memorable moments, and the global challenge adds a layer of intrigue comparable to the FIFA World Cup 2026 currently unfolding across the Atlantic.
Sky Sports Racing's Kieran O'Sullivan has pinpointed the feature race as one of the deepest sprint contests in Europe this year. "The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes might well be the strongest sprint race run in Europe all year," he said. "It looks to be a belter having attracted contenders from all around the world."
Satono Reve Leads Japanese Charge in Feature Sprint
Top tipster Kevin Blake is siding with the Noriyuki Hori-trained Satono Reve, a seven-year-old who has been aimed at this race since his eye-catching fourth in the Hong Kong Sprint. Blake noted, "The one that makes the most appeal to me is Satono Reve. He was the selection of the Japanese team for this race back in the winter and everything has gone to plan." The horse's tactical versatility and proven class on firm ground make him a major player at an attractive price.
The home defence is led by Comanche Brave and Lake Forest, but the formidable Wathnan Racing operation—backed by similar Qatari investment as Paris Saint-Germain—will be hoping Kind Of Blue can spring a surprise. Australian raider Joliestar, trained by Chris Waller, currently heads the betting and adds further international depth.
Undercard Races and Expert Tips for Day Five
Beyond the feature, Kevin Blake has highlighted a 16/1 chance in the Jersey Stakes and Declan Rix is keen on a big-priced runner from the Richard Hannon yard. Rix said, "I do like a couple of horses drawn low... I'm going to give Aramram a shout here at a big price for the Richard Hannon camp—whose horses have run really well all week." Aramram, a likeable four-year-old, won the Cammidge Stakes at Doncaster with a tenacious attitude that could serve him well in a competitive field.
Earlier on the card, Friday's King Edward VII Stakes saw Ryan Moore produce a masterclass aboard Causeway, getting the favourite home in a thrilling battle with Ancient Egypt. That form could offer clues for the staying events on Saturday.
"Aramram has clearly improved nicely from three to four. He's a really likeable, straightforward and honest horse. When he won the Cammidge Stakes at Doncaster, have a look at his attitude late." – Declan Rix
Key Takeaways
- Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes is the strongest sprint race in Europe this season, with a truly international field.
- Japanese raider Satono Reve, trained by Noriyuki Hori, is a leading fancy after a winter campaign geared towards this race.
- Kevin Blake's 16/1 Jersey Stakes pick and Declan Rix's Aramram offer value on a competitive undercard.
- Wathnan Racing's Kind Of Blue and Australian favourite Joliestar add further depth to the feature contest.
Quick Facts
Event: Royal Ascot Day 5 (Saturday, June 20, 2026)
Feature Race: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1, 6 furlongs)
Favourites: Joliestar (AUS), Satono Reve (JPN), Comanche Brave (GB)
Watch: Live on Sky Sports Racing