Royal Ascot Day 5 Tips 2026 – Joliestar Headlines Saturday Selections

Royal Ascot draws to a close on Saturday with arguably the most competitive card of the entire week. 

• Race 2 – Hardwicke Stakes- Jan Brueghel
• Race 3 – Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes- Joliestar
• Race 4 – Jersey Stakes- Catallus
• Race 7 – Queen Alexandra Stakes- Illinois

Massive fields, deep handicaps and a world-class Group 1 sprint ensure the Royal Meeting finishes in style, with Australian star Joliestar the headline attraction in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Here are our top four selections for the final day, including Best and Value Bets.

Race 2 – Hardwicke Stakes- Jan Brueghel

The Hardwicke Stakes is worthy of Group 1 status this year and Jan Brueghel gets the nod in a race packed with quality. Consistent at the highest level and once again producing a strong performance in the Coronation Cup, he sets the benchmark against rivals including Kalpana, Goliath and Ethical Diamond. His class and toughness make him the horse to beat in one of the strongest renewals of the race in recent years.

Race 3 – Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes- Joliestar

The Australian mare Joliestar arrives in career-best form after a dominant campaign at home and looks capable of continuing Australia's remarkable record in international sprint races. A multiple Group 1 winner, she brings superior recent form to Ascot and has already proven herself against elite opposition. With Japanese challenger Satono Reve and several European stars lining up, the Jubilee Stakes shapes as one of the races of the week, but Joliestar appears to possess the class edge required to deliver on the biggest stage.

Race 4 – Jersey Stakes- Catallus

The Jersey Stakes provides an opportunity for progressive three-year-olds to announce themselves and Catullus looks capable of taking that next step. Godolphin have enjoyed another strong Royal Ascot and their colt appears ideally suited by the seven-furlong test, bringing the right combination of experience and upside. He faces talented rivals, but further improvement can see him emerge as a genuine Group performer.

Race 7 – Queen Alexandra Stakes- Illinois

The meeting concludes with the Queen Alexandra Stakes and proven Group performer Illinois looks exceptionally well placed dropping back into this company. Last year's Gold Cup runner-up possesses the strongest staying credentials in the field and the return to an extended staying trip could see him finish the Royal Meeting in style. If reproducing his best form, he sets a very high standard for his rivals to match.